Staten Island Parent Magazine December 2015

december 2015

SOLUTIONS FOR EVERYDAY PARENTING

Give Your Child’s Teacher a Holiday Gift They’ll Love!

Holiday Guide:

• Breakfast With Santa • Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremonies • Holiday Fairs and Strolls • Christmas & Chanukah Crafts & Recipes • Gift Giveaway

Indoor Play Areas to Take the Kids During

Winter break

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fun Holiday stops in n.y.c.

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contents • December 2015 Advertiser Index page 85

Cover Story Celebrating the Holidays in New York City

There’s nothing quite as extraordinary as the holiday season in New York City, and we’ve listed some of the most festive activities the city has to offer. So make room in your busy December schedule for new holiday traditions your family will treasure for years to come! >>Read

more on page 44

>>features 12

Avoiding Santa Fails: 7 Tips for Visiting a Store Santa

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Perfect Holiday Gifts for Teachers

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Creative Ways to Celebrate Chanukah

Helping Children Tackle Tough Friendship Issues

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Is My Child Ready for a Smartphone?

>>Usual Stuff

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Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway

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Christmas Tree Lightings

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Menorah Lightings

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Holiday Strolls

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Holiday Fairs

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Christmas Tree Farms

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Breakfast with Santa, Holiday Shows & Other Events

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Facebook Hot Topics: Holiday Edition

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Santa’s Snack Mix Recipe

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Art and Production Michelle Yannaco operations & finance Director Linda Bellesi Account Executives Ilene Cohen Janine Mulé Cecilia Saccomagno Jodi Fatto

AWard Winning Magazine

>>Holiday >>Fun Guide Stuff Menorah Cupcakes

senior editor/Designer Gerri Friscia

Parenting Media Association (PMA)

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Publisher & editor-in-chief Roselle Farina Hecht

Editorial Assistants Nicole Farina Jeannine Cintron

>>parenting

Crafting with Kids: Snowflake Craft

Staff

54

Winter Break Spots

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Staten Island News

68

Calendar of Events

28

Good Sports

78

Growing Up Online

Birthday Club

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Ask the Doctor

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Party Needs

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Dear Teacher

62

OMG I’m a Mom

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Birth Announcements

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Life is Grand

16 Shenandoah Avenue • Suite C Staten Island, NY 10314 Advertising: 718.494.1932 Info@siparent.com

siparent.com Follow us on Facebook Twitter Instagram S.I. Parent magazine is published 12 times a year. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. The publisher of this magazine does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or writers.

>>Stuff You Need 79

It’s in the Cards

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Family Classifieds

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Professional Directory

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Happy holidays FAQ’s:

Q- WHAT IS AN ORTHODONTIST?

A- An Orthodontist is a Dentist who furthered their education & are trained to straighten teeth and align jaws.

Q- WHAT AGE SHOULD MY CHILD BE EVALUATED BY AN ORTHODONTIST?

A- It is recommended that a child is evaluated by an Orthoodntist by the age of 7. An Orthodontist can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present.

Q- DO I NEED TO BE REFERRED BY OUR FAMILY DENTIST TO SEE THE ORTHODONTIST?

A- No. Although some patients are referred by their dentists, many proactively schedule a consultation appointment themselves.

Q- WHAT DO BRACES COST?

A- Braces are affordable. The fee depends on the severity of the problem, the length of treatment, and the type of appliances. The fee will vary from patient to patient.

Q- WHAT PAYMENT OPTIONS DO YOU OFFER?

A- We offer a flexible payment plan at no additional cost. We accept all major credit cards, cash and personal checks.

Q- HOW DO I SCHEDULE MY CHILD’S FREE NEW PATIENT EXAMINATION? A- Call our office at 718-948-4384 and our staff will ask you basic information and answer any questions you may have. You can also reach us at info@ moveatooth.com.

You can view pictures of the office on facebook & find helpful information on our websitewww.moveatooth.com.

Michael D’anna, dds $500 OFF

holiday Savings

Full Mouth braces or

full invisalign treatment

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Not valid with other offers. Cannot be combined with reduced fee insurance, must bring coupon. Expires 12/31/15.

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718.948.4384

www.moveatooth.com 115 Seguine Avenue SI, NY 10309

“LIKE” us on Facebook! facebook.com/Michael D’Anna DDS

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We Deliver!

Mr. V’s Pizzeria www.mrvspizzeria.com Follow us on Instagram mrvspizzeria 718.948.2002 • 3080 Arthur Kill Road

Inside The S.I. Skating Pavilion Make Your Own Pizza Party at your home or event

Offering 3 different parties

Also Offering:

• Make Your Own Pizza Party • Make Your Own Cupcake • Ice Skating Party

several party rooms available

Catering is Our Speciality Complete Caterers & Party Planners Private Rooms Available

We supply: Tents, tables, chairs, linens, dance floors, air conditioning, wait staff, party planners

Let us send our Mobile Pizzeria to your home or event!

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Usual Stuff

>> Staten Island News

Want more news, events, activities, contests, savings from local businesses, seasonal happenings in Staten Island and New Jersey? Become an S.I. Parent Family of Friends member today! Start receiving our e-newsletters by signing up on www.siparent.com/signup. It’s fast and easy. You can also sign up directly from our Facebook page by clicking on the “Sign Up” app button. we only send the good stuff!

Staten Island Boy Saves Classmate, Goes Viral

Photo Credit: Dr. Alejandro Otero

Thirteen-year-old Brandon Williams made national headlines last month after performing the Heimlich Maneuver on classmate Jessica Pellegrino as she choked on an apple. Brandon and Jessica are seventh grade students at I.S. 24 Barnes Intermediate School in Great Kills and both students have autism. Brandon says his heroic actions were the result of an episode of SpongeBob Squarepants, where he claims he learned the lifesaving technique. The story quickly went viral, making headlines on both local and national news outlets and TV programs.

AMNH Gets a New Dino

Is your child dinosaur-obsessed? Soon there will be a new reason to visit (or revisit) the American Museum of Natural History – a very, very big reason, that is. In January, the museum will welcome the cast of a 122-foot-long dinosaur to its popular fourth floor prehistoric exhibits.

Paleontologists say that this dinosaur, a giant herbivore that belongs to a group known as titanosaurs, weighed in at around 77 tons—as much as 14 or 15 African elephants.

“When the monumental titanosaur cast is unveiled at the gateway of our fossil halls, it will join such beloved Museum icons as the giant blue whale, the great canoe, and, of course, Tyrannosaurus rex, as a destination, anchoring a journey of discovery for visitors of all ages,” said Ellen V.

Futter, President of the American Museum of Natural History.

The January unveiling of the Museum’s new dinosaur is part of a special year of events, exhibitions, and digital offerings that highlight the dramatic developments in paleontology over the past few decades. The spotlight on dinosaurs continues next spring with the new exhibition Dinosaurs Among Us (on view at the Museum from March 19, 2016, through January 2, 2017), which will examine how one group of dinosaurs evolved into birds, as well as a dinosaur symposium, a weekend of dinosaur programs, and a new dinosaur app from the Museum.

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as well as popular websites like Upworthy.com and AOL.com. Way to go, Brandon!

Holiday Happenings

‘Tis the season for holiday fun! And you know we’ve got you covered at siparent.com. Check out our online Holiday Happenings section to get the scoop on local holiday events, Christmas Tree & Menorah Lightings, tree farms, toy drives, the holiday TV schedule, holiday fairs, and so much more. On behalf of everyone here at Staten Island Parent, we’d like to wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season filled with all the joy and happiness this time of year brings!

Send a Letter, Grant a Wish

imporant school dates December 3 – Pre-K Non-Attendance Day December 8 – Feast of Immaculate Conception (Option to close for Catholic Schools) December 10 – Deadline to complete TACHS Applicant Record December 24 to January 1 – Winter Recess (Schools Closed)

Kick off this Christmas season with a heartfelt letter to Santa in the name of a great cause. Now through December 24, bring a letter addressed to Santa to Macy’s and drop it into the big red letterbox, send a letter online at macys.com/believe, or create a letter using the new Macy’s Wish Writer stylus and app and for each letter received, Macy’s will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish, up to $1,000,000. Help spread the word about the Believe campaign by taking a photo or video of your child mailing their letter and sharing it on social media using the hashtag #MacysBelieve.

On December 11, Macy’s stores nationwide will celebrate National Believe Day with special celebrations. The Believe campaign is based on The New York Sun’s famous “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” editorial. Believe Stations at every Macy’s store will also feature several “Yes, Virginia” products to benefit Make-A-Wish. Ten percent of the purchase price from each DVD and storybook, and $1 from each Wish Writer sold will be donated to Make-A-Wish.

Make-A-Wish is one of the world’s leading children’s charities, granting a wish somewhere in the United States every 37 minutes. Since 2003, Macy’s has raised over $83 million for the MakeA-Wish foundation. Head to siparent.com to learn more and to get your kids started writing their own letter.

Flu Season

SAT School Day

Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina recently announced that New York City will begin offering an SAT School Day for public high school juniors, wherein the SAT exam will be given on a school day free of charge to students. The test is traditionally given on a Saturday and the fee is $54.50 to take it. The new initiative aims to encourage students from low-income families to sign up and thus gain better access to a college education.

“The opportunity to go to college should never be decided by students’ backgrounds or zip codes. The new SAT School Day and the expansion of College Application Week demonstrate our commitment to providing every student with the support and resources they need to pursue college,” Farina said in a statement. The SAT School Day will begin a partial rollout in the spring of 2016, and will be offered in all schools citywide by 2017.

Flu season is already underway and the NYC Department of Health recommends anyone over six months old receive a flu shot to prevent falling ill with influenza. Since children under five are more likely to suffer from flu complications, New York City public schools now require all children between 6 months and 5 years receive a mandatory flu vaccine between July 1 and December 31. The requirement includes all city-licensed day care centers, preschools and pre-k programs.

Visit your local pharmacy to get your flu shot, or go to siparent.com to link to a flu shot locator.

Freezin’ for a Reason!

It’s time to finally check subzero swimming off your bucket list. The 9th annual Staten Island Polar Plunge is set for Sunday, December 6, when participants will brave the icy waters of South Beach to raise money for the athletes of the Special Olympics. Awards will be given to the top fundraiser, top fundraising team, and best costume. Take the plunge or support a Plunger by going online to siparent.com to register and learn more.

2015 Total Fitness Challenge

Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Total Fitness Challenge! Hosted by Assemblyman Michael Cusick, the challenge is an annual contest aimed at encouraging kids to stay active both mentally and physically over the summer months. Students must read at least 30 minutes per day and exercise as much as possible, thus earning points for each day they complete these activities.

“I started the Total Fitness Challenge to ensure that our children stay active, both mentally and physically over the summer months. I have been a lifelong advocate for living a healthy lifestyle, and with rising rates of childhood obesity & the prevalence of video games as the favorite hobby of our youth, I felt I could do something to help” said Assemblyman Cusick.

This year, over 50 schools and 800 students participated, making it one of the best years to date.

The winners were announced at a ceremony held at CSI recently. The overall winning school was P.S. 29. Go to siparent.com for a list of the winners from each grade.

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FREE Full Day UPK – Register Now!

Beautiful new facility with a spacious playground

Preschool & Early Learning Center

• Innovative curriculum with focus on exploration, creativity, language development and problem solving • Interactive Projects • Healthy meals & snacks cooked on premises using organic and natural ingredients • State-of-the-art security system with access cards and cameras in every classroom • Enrichment activities daily Music, Yoga, Dance, Gymnastic, Art Caring and experienced staff Open 7am-7pm, Monday through Friday Full time and Part time options available After School program for grades K-5th 718.701.1720 • 65 Foster Rd • SI, NY 10309

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avoiding Santa Fails 7 Tips for Visiting a Store Santa

Luke of Oakwood

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F

amilies with young children often make visiting Santa Claus a part of their annual traditions. During the holiday season, Santa can be found taking up residence in department stores and malls across the country. Thousands of children and their parents will wait in line to get some face time with jolly old St. Nick. The following are a handful of ways to make kids’ visits with Santa even more pleasant.

Do a test run. If your child has not taken a photo with Santa before, he or she may be frightened and the result will be a poor photograph.

The beard and the red coat coupled with the fact that kids are sitting on a stranger’s lap can be terrifying for youngsters. Acclimate your child to the experience by visiting the mall to see Santa and become familiar with what he looks like and how he acts. It may take a couple of visits before your child is ready to wait in line for the real visit.

Alexandra, Jack & Michael of Annadale Emma & Julian of Rosebank

Go off-peak. Visit Santa when the store just opens or when lines are not as long, such as during school hours or dinnertime. This should cut down on the wait and create a less tense experience. Confirm visiting hours so you don’t arrive only to find he’s out to lunch or feeding his reindeer. Do not schedule anything after the Santa visit, so you don’t feel rushed.

Bring Christmas lists. While your main objective is getting the perfect shot for this year’s Christmas card, your children have other concerns. This is their big chance to meet Santa Claus himself! Help them prepare by bringing Christmas lists along or by helping them decide what they want to ask Santa to leave under the tree this year.

This takes the emphasis away from the picture-taking and will help them relax when the big moment comes.

Plan to go after naptime. Try to schedule your visit after your child’s regular naptime. The less tired your child is, the less cranky he or she will be when it’s time to meet Santa.

Pack some supplies. Bring snacks and drinks for the kids so hunger does not make them antsy. Bring along a change of clothes in case someone spills food or spits up before your turn.

Dress comfortably. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing so neither you nor the kids will be uncomfortable. The goal is to look nice for the photo, but not at the expense of the children’s comfort level. And while you should be comfortable as well, be sure to look presentable, in the event you have to hop into the photo if that’s the only way your son or daughter will tolerate the experience Get Santa recommendations. Ask friends and neighbors which Santas they visit. Many stores will have a Santa on hand, but not every Santa is as adept at handling children. You want someone who is used to making children feel welcome and comfortable.

Emma of Bay Terrace Ryan from N.J. & Andrew from Great Kills

Was your trip to meet Santa picture perfect or epic fail? If your meeting with the man in red didn’t go quite as planned, don’t fret. Those disastrous pictures are the most memorable of all! Check out some of the hilarious shots our readers sent in of their own Santa Fails.

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Feature

>> Gift Givinig

Perfect Holiday Gifts for Teachers

T

eachers are a huge part of your child’s life, so of course you want to show how much you appreciate them when the holidays roll around. While the teacher is likely to be grateful to receive a gift of any kind, wouldn’t you like to give them something they actually plan to use? So ditch the tired apple and try one of these holiday gift ideas this year:

Holiday ornament – If you want to find something more personal than a gift card, a Christmas ornament is probably a good choice. You can’t have too many ornaments on the tree, and it’s the perfect time of year for it anyway. Just make sure your child’s teacher celebrates Christmas before making any big purchases at Hallmark.

Gift cards – Give the gift of whatever they want! You can buy a gift card in any amount, so you get to decide how much you can spend—and then they get to decide how they want to spend it. It’s a win-win. Just don’t be too specific when choosing the card unless you know the teacher’s personal taste very well. Try very general shopping site (like Amazon or iTunes), coffee shops, pharmacies, department stores, bookstores, local restaurants, or movie theatres.

Make it personal - A gift basket of theme-based items shows thoughtfulness. The trick with this one is to be sure you know the teacher well enough to pull this off. If he is obvious about his choice of sports team or other obsession (superheroes, cooking, movies, music, or even jigsaw puzzles could work!), run with that. Pooling your funds with other parents can help to make a bigger impact.

Wine – Let’s face it, after a long week trapped in a room with 15-30 screaming children, who wouldn’t need to take the edge off a little? Even if she doesn’t drink alcohol, the bottle will make a great gift for the host wherever she is planning to spend her holiday.

School supplies – Unfortunately, we live in a place where many teachers are financially responsible for their classroom supplies. So when the classroom cubbies need restocking, the teachers are footing the bill. Ask what is needed for the classroom or give a Staples gift card so they can purchase what they need.

Accessories – With the bitter days of winter ahead, cozy scarves, slippers, or warm gloves are something anyone can use. Select a neutral color to keep it simple, and try to shop “one size fits all.”

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Steer clear – What not to get is equally as important as what to get. Stay away from soaps, candy, candles, trinkets of any kind, key chains, lotions, mugs, makeup, #1 teacher knick knacks, etc. As a general rule, if it looks like you might have found it on the counter next to the cash register at the pharmacy, or anywhere at all in the dollar store, then rethink giving it as a gift to one of the most important people in your child’s life. You should also steer clear of homemade gifts, particularly edible ones. Would you want to eat something a stranger made in a kitchen you’ve never seen with some mystery ingredients?

When asked, most teachers say they appreciate a handwritten note of thanks for their efforts in the classroom. So, however you choose to recognize the people who spend a good part of the day with your child, be sure to express your gratitude with a heartfelt note, and why not include one from your child, as well?

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ADVERTORIAL

Are noisy toys causing damage to your child’s hearing?

Holiday shopping watch-out list!

Listening to a kid’s toy scream, “Amarillo—yellow! Verde— green!” for hours is a special kind of misery. While many parents veto loud toys because they’re annoying, the Sight & Hearing Association (SHA) is asking parents to consider another reason: hearing damage.

Toys are required to meet the acoustic standard established by the American Society of Testing and Material, which restricts the sound-pressure level to 85 decibels (dB) from 50 centimeters – or about 20 inches – away. Each year, SHA compiles and publishes a list of noisy toys that are louder than that threshold, which is capable of damaging a child’s hearing over time.

As you’re doing your holiday shopping for all the little ones in your life this year, keep an ear out for the unnecessarily noisy. Kathy Webb, SHA executive director, encourages parents to try toys out as they shop.

“Test a toy before you buy it. It’s okay to push buttons and rattle toys as you walk through the toy aisle and if a toy is too loud for you, it will be too loud for your child,” Webb said in a press release. “Look for toys that have volume controls and if you must buy a noisy toy this holiday season, or your child receives a noisy toy as a gift, you can place clear packing tape over the speaker which will reduce the sound level enough to make the toy ear-safe.”

SHA rates toys based on how loud they are when they’re held a child’s arm length away, about 10 inches, and also when they’re held up to the ear. “We test toys based on how a child would play with a toy, not how an adult would play with it,” Webb said. “If you watch a child playing with a noise-producing toy, you will see them hold it close to their face, next to their ears or closer than arms length.”

The loudest toy on SHA’s list is Disney’s Doc McStuffin Rockin’ Doc Sing-Along Boombox, which registers 106.4 dB when held to the ear and 84.8 dB when held at a child’s arm length. To put that in perspective, a typical lawn mower runs at 90 dB; imagine that noise right next to your ear! The Sing-Along Boombox is designed for just that, playing both songs from the TV show as well as from your own iPod. The toy is recommended for children aged three years and up, still too young to understand the potential dangers of putting the toy to close to their ears.

The second loudest toy on the list is for children even younger: babies aged six months to three years. Fisher Price’s Laugh & Learn Puppy’s Piano plays music, sounds and phrases as children push lightup keys on the keyboard. The Puppy’s Piano registers 104.4 dB when held up to the ear and 82.6 dB at arm’s length. The third is another entrant from Fisher-Price: Dora and Friends Play It 2 Ways Guitar, which clocks 104.1 dB when held to the ear and 82.2 dB at arm’s length.

SHA did find two toys that satisfied their safe volume standards, however. One is a product from Disney’s monstrously popular animated movie Frozen, Pull Apart & Talkin’ Olaf, a huggable version of the beloved snowman that can be pulled apart as its name suggests. Olaf registers 84.7 dB when held up to the ear and 70.0 dB when held at arm’s length. The other is Fisher-Price’s Two Tune TV, a classic toy first introduced in 1966. Two-Tune TV clocks 83.1 dB when held to the ear and 68.2 dB at arm’s length.

While Santa has a promise to keep to all the girls and boys on his Nice List this year, you have a responsibility to protect your child’s hearing. Be aware of the potential dangers and if you think a toy is too loud, put it back.

If you think your child (or a child you know) may have been exposed to loud noise levels for an extended period of time, play it safe and schedule an appointment at Audiology Island. There are many options for preventing hearing loss, but regular checkups are essential to maintaining hearing health. www.healthyhearing.com

Audiology Island Services:

- Complete Audiological Evaluation (Adult and Pediatric) - Auditory Processing Evaluation (age 5 and older) - Auditory Processing Therapy (age 5 and older): One on One Auditory Processing Therapy, Interactive Metronome, The Listening Program (TLP) - Failed School Screening Follow-up - Hearing Aid evaluation and Fitting (Adult and Pediatric) - Ear Protection, Swim Molds and other Custom Ear Products - Balance Testing (Adult and Pediatric) - Tinnitus Evaluation and Management - Aural Rehabilitation (Adult and Pediatric – Group and Individual) - Auditory Brainstem Response Evaluation (ABR) - Otoacoustic Emissions Evaluation (OAE) - Single Sided Deafness Evaluation and Management

148 New Dorp Lane • 2nd Floor • SI, NY 10306

718.980.0188 www.audiologyisland.com

Dr. Stella Fulman, Au.D , CCC-A Doctor of Audiology

Dr. Zhanneta Shapiro, Au.D., CCC-A Doctor of Audiology

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Coming Soon!

2016

18 preschool.indd 2

Preschool and Daycare Directory

in our January Issue!

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Delilah

Isabella

Juan Pablo

emma

crafting with the foresight school S.I. Parent stopped by the Foresight School recently to see the Pre-K students in Ms. Stephanie’s class make festive snowflakes that looked good enough to eat—literally.

The kids whipped up their creations and then gobbled them down faster than you can say “Happy Holidays!”

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Here’s how to make Ms. Stephanie’s & Ms. Donna’s Snowflake Cookies with your own family: Ingredients • Nilla Wafers cookies • Vanilla Wafer cookies • Powdered sugar • Sweetened coconut flakes • White frosting • Butter knife • Colored plate

Directions 1. Spread frosting in a circle on the plate.

2. Place one round Nilla Wafer in the center of the plate.

3. Place six long vanilla wafer cookies around the Nilla cookie.

4. Spread frosting on all cookies using the butter knife.

5. Sprinkle coconut flakes and powdered sugar over each cookie.

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Emme

All Finished!

Michael

Now Let’s Eat! Ms. Donna

Would your school like to be featured in S.I. Parent’s Crafting with Kids section?

Email jcintron@siparent.com or call 718-494-1932 for more information

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Eunice Justin

Ms. Stephanie

Liam

Andrew December 2015

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Menorah Cupcakes • 9 pirouette cookies • 2 cans (16 oz. each) Vanilla Frosting • blue food coloring • 4 yellow fruit chews • 4 orange fruit chews • ⅓ cup white coarse decorating sugar

• 5 white chocolate peanut butter cups • black licorice laces • 2 tbsp. yellow decorating sugar • 14 vanilla cupcakes baked in blue paper liners • 27 mini cupcakes baked in white paper liners • 1 cup decorating sugar

Cut the pirouette cookies into 3” lengths using a serrated knife. Tint ¾ cup of the vanilla frosting a pale blue with the food coloring. Spoon frosting into a 1 cup glass measuring cup. Line a cutting board with wax paper. Microwave the blue frosting for 10 to 15 second intervals, stirring frequently, until frosting is the consistency of slightly whipped cream.

Insert a toothpick or skewer into one end of pirouette cookie and dip, one at a time, into frosting to cover completely. Allow excess frosting to drip off. Carefully transfer the coated cookie to the wax paper. Repeat with the remaining cookies and frosting. Reheat frosting when consistency becomes too thick. Let cookies dry until set, about 30 minutes.

Working with several fruit chews at a time, unwrap candies and microwave for several seconds to soften slightly. Knead the 2 colors together and roll out on a sheet of wax paper. Cut out 9 flame shapes with clean scissors, rerolling candies if necessary.

Place the blue sugar into a medium bowl. Spread the tops of the standard cupcakes with some of the frosting, mounding the top. Roll the tops of the cupcakes in the blue sugar to cover completely.

Place the coarse white sugar crystals in a small bowl. Spread the remaining vanilla frosting on top of the mini cupcakes and smooth top. Roll the edges of nine mini cupcakes in the white sugar.

Cut the white chocolate peanut butter cups in half crosswise. Cut the black licorice into 9 1½” pieces.

Arrange the cupcakes as shown in photo on a large serving platter or cutting board. The top mini cupcakes should have the sugar around the edges. Place the peanut butter cups on the top edge of the blue cupcake, cut side down. Place the dipped pirouette cookie on top of the next 2 mini cupcakes. Insert the piece of licorice into the top of the pirouette cookie as the wick. (It will overhang onto the top mini cupcake.) Sprinkle the top mini cupcake with the yellow sugar and place candy flame on top.

Hands-On Time:2 Hours Total Time: 2 Hours 30 Minutes Servings: 14 cupcakes or 27 mini cupcakes

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From www.duncanhines.com

December 2015

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feature

>> Holiday Spirit

Did You Know?

Fried foods are traditional during Chanukah in remembrance of the sacred oil.

Popular fried foods are latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (sweet jelly-filled doughnuts).

creative ways to celebrate chanukah Many stories have been shared about the complexity of growing up Jewish surrounded by Christian friends and the overwhelming influence of Christmas come the month of December. Seemingly everywhere you look buildings, stores and homes are decked out in lights and decorations.

But Christmas celebrants are not the only ones with reason to be festive this time of year, when Chanukah is also cause for celebration.

Perhaps due to its proximity to Thanksgiving and Christmas, Chanukah tends to be the most widely celebrat-

26

ed Jewish holiday in America. Even though it is officially listed as a minor holiday, Chanukah is important to families across the globe. In fact, because the basis of Chanukah is rededication to the faith, it very well may be an instrumental celebration for families who may need to find their way back to the roots of their beliefs.

Chanukah celebrations may not feature lavishly decorated trees or scores of celebrants belting out carols, but it bears significance for the thousands of people who celebrate each year. While Chanukah is steeped in tradition,

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the following are a handful of ways you can add a creative spin to your family’s festivities this year.

Light: One of the major tenets of Chanukah is how light can shine and lead a person through dark periods. This is typically exemplified by the lighting of the menorah, which is prominently placed in windows or other visible areas of celebrants’ homes. This Chanukah spend time with someone who may be dealing with an illness or the loss of a loved one. You may be the light that inspires this person each day. Give candles to friends and family members to symbolize the light that will shine in the future.

Oil: Another component of Chanukah celebrations is the focus on how a one-day supply of oil somehow lasted eight days during the rededication of the temple’s menorah. Many ways to include oil in celebrations exist. Some people like to get creative in the kitchen, serving fried foods and desserts. Think about giving gifts of oil, such as fragrant essential oils that can be used in potpourri or in the bath or shower. Working alongside their parents, children can see how a wick drenched in oil can serve as an efficient lighting source and decorate the home with these homemade oil lamps.

Twenty-five: Bring attention to the number 25, which is significant when celebrating Chanukah. The word Chanukah can be divided into two: Chanu, meaning “they rested,” and Kah, which is the numerical value of 25. On the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, the Maccabees rested from their battle with the Greeks and triumphantly marched into the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Make 25 a part of celebrations by inviting 25 people to celebrate with you or ask children to make murals with 25 different adornments.

Charitable giving: Gift-giving is now a component of Chanukah celebrations, but it wasn’t always.

Greater importance was once placed on the lighting of candles to publicize the miracle and evangelize the faith. Some poor people could not afford candles, and these people would go door-to-door for candle funds, or “gelt,” to be able to purchase candles and kiddush wine. Some Jewish families prefer to give money rather than gifts on Chanukah to keep with the tradition of Chanukah gelt. However, families also can incorporate charitable giving in their celebrations as a way to reinforce the customs of giving to the poor.

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Usual Stuff

>> Good Sports

Making youth sports “click”

by Joe LoVerde

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Technology has changed our lives in countless ways — including the ways in which we manage our children’s youth sports activities.

Need to be reminded of when practice is scheduled, or the location of the travel team game? There’s an app for that.

Want to keep statistics for your child’s team, or just for your son or daughter individually? There are websites that specialize in helping you keep them updated.

Hoping to find the flaw in your child’s jump shot technique? Search YouTube and there is bound to be the help you need.

Indeed, technology is revolutionizing the way parents manage their children’s sports activities.

As recently as 10 years ago, most parents of young athletes were finding out about practices, games and other team events by telephone. The coach either called everyone individually or a phone tree was established, but that still often resulted in unanswered calls or messages left. It was a lot of work and sometimes resulted in messages never being delivered.

Text messaging has made things simpler as cell phones have become more of a personal necessity, but its use by coaches and families are still somewhat clunky and imperfect.

These days, though, you can download an app on your smartphone or access a website that will allow you to see practice and game schedules and indicate whether or not your child will be able to attend. Apps such as TeamSnap and Sporteasy allow groups to set up customized pages accessible to anyone on a list and provide an information and communication link — right down to getting directions to the field, gym or arena, or finding out in real time about cancellations and rescheduled events.

What’s the contact information for the parent who’s doing carpool duties this week?

Should your child wear his or her gray or green uniform top? Is this your week to bring snacks to the game? When and where are team photos being taken? This and other info is as close as your smartphone or laptop.

At one time, keeping statistics for a team meant lots of paperwork and making sure the calculator battery wasn’t dead. But these days it’s easy to find a website or app that will do the work for you.

Leaguelineup.com and Hometeamsonline.com are among the more popular websites used by leagues, teams and individuals, but there are also apps like Basketball Stat Tracker and Stat Tap allow you to see your child’s updated statistics as you input the numbers after each game — or even during each game.

And if you want to help your son or daughter improve or work on parts of his or her game, or you just want to know the correct way to teach your child to shoot a basketball, block a defensive lineman or swing a baseball bat, there is no shortage of videos on the Internet to help you achieve your goal.

Experts from all sports will demonstrate things like how to make your bowling ball go straight, how to strengthen your throwing arm or improve your throwing mechanics.

It can help your child learn to make the perfect bounce pass on a basketball court or model the proper technique to outsprint the competition at a track meet. Just enter what you need help with into your Internet search engine and you’ll have plenty of solutions to choose from, and you can do so whenever it’s convenient for you — free of charge.

Yes, it’s often annoying seeing everyone on his or her cellphones all the time. But this same technology also can simplify and improve the youth sports experience for you and, more importantly, for your child.

Joe LoVerde has been coaching youth sports on Staten Island for nearly 40 years. He’s also a longtime newspaper editor and sportswriter.

*Some restrictions apply

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Bring your little one to Zion to

Zion Lutheran Preschool Is your child

turning 2, 3 or 4 in 2016?

Come see what Zion Lutheran Preschool has to offer your family.

OPEN HOUSE Saturday, January 30th 10am - 11:30am

Come meet our amazing staff who provide a warm, loving and SAFE environment for all the children who walk through our front doors daily.

Visit our six classrooms, Church, Gymnasium, and two private, outdoor playgrounds.

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Look at our options for September 2016 classes for Terrific 2’s, 3 year olds and PreK 4’s Extended Hours Available for 3’s and 4’s Zummer Camp–in July!

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see what we have to offer!

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What sets us apart from other preschools?

As a Christian preschool we provide faith

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Your child will carry these traits with them long after they leave Zion.

Family Picnic Picture Day

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holiday guide

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Bixbee “Sparkalicious” Kids Glitter Backpack Sparkle from the inside out! Perfect for school, sport or sleep over fun, these fab bags will dazzle, shimmer and shine through day and night.

Made of durable, water-resistant 600-denier polyester, this backpack is made to last.

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Bixbee “Shark Camo” Kids Backpack This backpack is perfectly sized to carry everything your tyke needs.

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American Girl Doll & Book Courage, smarts and spirit—that’s what the BeForever™ characters show in every story as they bring America’s past to life for girls today. Imaginative Maryellen Larkin™ has hazel eyes that open and close, and her long strawberry-blond hair is worn in a high ponytail with sideswept bangs. She comes in an authentic 1950s outfit.

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Slate Serving Tray At an imposing two feet long, the slate can handle a whole lot! 9” satin nickle finish handles. Each 12”x 24” slate is leveled and finished with clear, non-slip acrylic feet and comes with a stick of Soapstone Chalk.

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We’re giving away loads of holiday prizes!

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Mobo Rockabilly Tot Revive the thrill of the earliest styles of rock ‘n’ roll through the new ‘crazy cool classic custom’ cruiser.

This pinstriped “counter culture” cruiser offers not just outdoors playtime but also plays an integral role in the development of your toddler’s gross motor

6

Frozen HD Action Camera Capture memories with this 5.1 Megapixel Digital Sports Camcorder featuring everyone’s favorite sister princesses, Elsa & Anna.

Includes Waterproof Case, Bike Mount and Helmet Mount.

SRP $79.99 www.vivitar.com

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Nano Falcon XS Silverlit’s Nano Falcon XS is the new world’s smallest RC model Helicopter as certified by Guinness World Records. The New World’s Smallest RC Helicopter is only 2.3.” Easy to fly for any skill level, with a 3 channel control. Includes storage/carrying case which converts to a landing pad.

SRP $49.99 www.silverlit.com

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PlayWheels Disney Princess Convertible 2-in-1 Combo skate (size J6-9) This ice skate converts from a winter ready ice skate, with a blade that’s designed for beginning ice skaters to a 4-wheeled inline skate perfect for warmer weather and can be used on the street. Click and adjust bindings are sturdy and secure, keeping kids locked in.

SRP $39.99 www.playwheels.com

9

PlayWheels Spider-Man Convertible 2-in-1 Combo skate (size J6-9) This ice skate converts from a winter ready ice skate, with a blade that’s designed for beginning ice skaters to a 4-wheeled inline skate perfect for warmer weather and can be used on the street. Click and adjust bindings are sturdy and secure, keeping kids locked in.

SRP $39.99 www.playwheels.com

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Usual Stuff

>> Growing Up Online

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Growing Up Online.indd 1

When Google Won’t Do

by Carolyn Jabs, M.A.

Searching is a basic skill that every adult—and child—needs to master. Everything you might want to know (and some things that are pretty dubious) can be found online, but you have to be able to locate what you need when you need it. Google, of course, dominates the field so completely that googling is synonymous with searching.

That dominance worries some people, including the FTC, whose staffers prepared an internal report about how Google search favors Google services over services provided by competitors. Google also depends upon a proprietary algorithm-- set of rules about searching. Google shares some of what it is doing behind the scenes on its own website. (Search for “how search works” on the Google website.) Still, critics point out that there are inevitably assumptions and biases into the search process.

Some of these assumptions work to the advantage of parents. You really don’t want adult material to show up if your child searches for an innocent word, even if that word has a double meaning. On the other hand, Google also makes assumptions about what information is reliable based in part on how often other sites link to it. This can make popular sites seem more reputable than they really are.

Google is also vulnerable to Search Engine Optimization, an entire industry built around trying to get material from clients to show up on the first page of a Google search. People who use SEO are skilled with keywords, metatags, and other identifiers that Google uses to decide which of all the millions of websites will be most relevant to you after a specific search.

Finally, Google customizes search results based on what you’ve searched for in the past. That means there’s nothing “objective” about Google results. You and your neighbor can search for the same term but come up with different results if previous searches show that you have different opinions and preferences.

None of this means that families should abandon Google or the many websites where search is powered by Google. At the same time, it’s good to be aware of alternatives that may be preferable under specific circumstances.

When children are young. Elementary-age children who are just beginning to search are likely to be confused and overwhelmed by what they find on Google.

Kidclicks.org produces a limited number of results, vetted by librarians. Each item is ranked by reading level, so it’s easier to pinpoint the material that will be useful to a child who is trying to master the intricacies of tornados or dinosaurs.

When you want a simple answer. If you have a child who asks a lot of questions, you need to know about Ask.com. The search engine was designed to respond to “natural language,” so you can type in a question like “Why is the sky blue?” and you’ll get quick, authoritative answers.

When you want a different spin. The Bing.com search engine, designed by Microsoft, uses its own proprietary algorithms so the results are a little different.

Comparing the harvest on Bing and Google can be illuminating, especially for controversial topics. Bing also sweetens the pot with a rewards program that allows users to earn points that can be redeemed on websites like Amazon and Fandango.

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When you want privacy. Google keeps track of searches, so its database includes information about everything from your health issues to your purchasing preferences. If you’d rather keep your search history private, you can use duckduckgo.com or ixquick.com. Both websites promise that they won’t record anything about you or your searches.

When you want just the facts. Wolframalpha.com indexes nothing but verifiable information about math, science, history and other topics. This makes it an especially good source for students who are trying to get their facts straight.

When you want to do good. Goodsearch.org is powered

by Yahoo, which is now owned by Bing, so it won’t return different results. It will, however, donate a penny to the cause of your choice every time you or your kids use it.

When you want reliable health information. Looking for health information on Google can be contradictory and even scary. For the kind of research-based information you’d get from your family physician, turn to curated medical sites like Medline Plus (nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus), which is managed by the National Library of Medicine, or Kidshealth.org, which has been providing family-friendly health information for over 20 years.

When you want context. Yippy.com collects information from a variety of other search engines and quickly files what it finds into folders that appear on the left hand side of the screen. Sometimes seeing sub-categories for your topic makes it easier to zero in on the information you need.

When you want the human touch. DMOZ.org is a directory of the Web, developed and maintained by an enormous network of volunteers. It won’t return millions of results, but each site has been reviewed by a person instead of a robot.

No matter what search engine you or your kids use, you’ll get better results if you follow a few simple rules: Put words that go together in quotes. Link words that are equally important with AND. Use a plus sign (+) to indicate words that are crucial to your search and a minus sign (-) to rule out words that aren’t relevant.

Most of all, teach your kids that what they find online is only as good as its source. Kids who can think critically as they search will have a huge advantage in a world awash in information.

By Carolyn Jabs, M.A., who raised three computer savvy kids including one with special needs. She has written Growing Up Online for ten years and is working on a book about constructive responses conflict.

Other columns are available at www. growing-up-online.com. @ Copyright, 2015.

Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

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Usual Stuff

>> Ask The Doctor

Holiday Safety

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38 Ask the Doctor.indd 1

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ry

y s tr

diatric De Pe nt i

Visiting with friends and family is a joy of the holiday season, but a festive get-together can pose dangers for young children. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests these safety tips:

Decorating the Tree with Your Kids

• When decorating the Christmas tree with your family, make sure the most fragile ornaments are placed at the top of the tree, out of kids’ reach. That makes room on the bottom of the tree for the kids to put up their ornaments.

• Make sure the lights on the tree are safely wrapped around and out of kids’ reach.

• Turn off light before you leave the house or go to bed.

Holiday Traveling/Visiting

Traveling can be dangerous this time of year. On the way to the festivities, help ensure that your trip is safe.

• Make sure kids wear seatbelts or use age-appropriate car seats. Make sure carseats are installed correctly. Seventy three percent of car seats are not installed correctly.

• The driver should never be under the influence of alcohol. Don’t drink and drive, and don’t let someone else drink and drive.

When visiting a loved one’s house, take notice that their house that might not be childproofed.

• Keep an eye out for things that might hurt your child, like stairways, hot radiators, medications and poisonous cleaning products.

• If you are the host, clean up right afterwards, as young children could get into leftover food or drinks.

Toy Safety

When choosing the perfect Christmas gift for your child, you must make sure it is age appropriate. Advanced toys could potentially be a choking hazard for a toddler or young child.

Choking Hazards

Keep an eye on your kids during the holidays, as choking hazards could occur.

• Make sure dangerous objects that could be considered a choking hazard are out of kids’ reach, like hard candy and small toys.

• Don’t give children toys with magnets, and watch out for products with disc batteries. If swallowed by a child, these batteries can become lodged and cause serious injury or death.

• In case of an emergency, learn how to provide early treatment for children who are choking.

• Taking a CPR course would be a good idea in case such emergency occurs • Call 911 immediately • Never put your fingers in the child’s mouth to get the object • Give chest compressions and breaths until object is removed or until the paramedics arrive

Sticking to a Normal Schedule

The holidays can be stressful for children, so stick to your usual routine as much as possible. Keep mealtimes the same and make sure the kids get enough sleep.

For more info contact Dr. Tara Farahvash at Amboy Medical Practice, 1550 Richmond Avenue, 718-370-7700.

11/23/15 10:28 AM

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39 11/23/15 10:29 AM

parenting

>> Emotions

Helping Children Tackle Tough Friendship Issues

M

ary and Sean were next-door neighbors for nine years. But it wasn’t always a walk in the park. “The problems began when the two were preschoolers and started spending a lot of time together,” reports Mary’s mother Eileen Dina. Mary was about 4 and Sean was 5.

“Sean was highly competitive and always wanted to best Mary at everything,” Eileen continues. “He also had issues with sharing. He would bring his toys to our house and wouldn’t let Mary or her younger brother play with them.”

This went on for several years until one day Eileen knew something had to be done. “My husband picked up the children from Sean’s house and Mary was in tears. I realized the more time she spent with Sean the more it was chopping away at her self esteem.” But since they were playmates and nextdoor neighbors, what could Eileen do?

There are several reasons why children end up with troubled friendships, says Nancy DePaul, local Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). “Most often it is an issue of proximity—they’re in the same class at school, live in the same neighborhood or participate in the same after-school program—so a relationship naturally develops. Other times children make a choice to befriend a peer who is a negative influence.”

Dr. D’Arcy Lyness, child psychologist for KidsHealth.org, agrees.

“Friendships are birthed from a variety of settings and for various reasons,

40

but most children choose a friend because there is something they like about that person. Maybe he’s good at soccer or music. Maybe he’s funny and makes others laugh.”

The flip side to this is that a child may lack the judgment skills needed to see the negative traits in his peer and may be influenced by or emulate the poor behavior.

This, says Lyness, is where parents can step in. “Rather than isolating the child from his friend, parents should use this as an opportunity to help guide their child so he learns how to choose friends without being negatively influenced by them.”

Dawn Jones did this. “Last year when Douglas was in fifth grade, he became friends with a boy named George who wasn’t respectful to other classmates or adults,” she says. “My first reaction was to tell Doug he couldn’t be friends with George. But then I realized it was best to wait and talk it over.”

So everyday when Doug came home from school, Dawn would ask him about his day. “We talked about what he did and who he interacted with.

When George’s name came up, we discussed what happened—if he was rude to someone or hurt their feelings. It was a great opportunity to communicate our values to him.”

Eileen did this too. “Sean was always about win, win, win, so I tapped into Mary’s empathy skills. I would ask her how it felt to be so poorly treated.

Then I would say, ‘This is not how you treat a friend.’”

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Another thing Eileen did was to insist the children play at her house so she could monitor their activity. “I figured if they were in our yard, I could watch what was going on and intercept any problems.”

Both experts agree inviting children to your house is one of the best ways to get to know your child’s friends and supervise their free time. “When you see an unacceptable behavior in your child’s peer, take mental note and find an appropriate time to talk it over with your child,” says DePaul.

But she warns parents not to criticize their child’s friend. “Children can be fiercely devoted to their peers. If your child thinks you don’t like his friend, he may become defensive out of a sense of loyalty, or rebel against authority if he is older.”

Address the behavior, but don’t attack the child, advises Lyness. “Be specific about what you find offensive. Then get your child’s feedback,—‘I don’t like how Johnny was so rude to the coach today. What did you think about that?

How could he have handled it differently?’ This not only shows what you find unacceptable, but also guides your child in appropriate behavior.”

One thing Dawn found helpful was to get to know George and observe his family dynamics.

“When we went to school functions, I made an effort to talk with him. I realized he came from a home where the parenting style was vastly different from our own.”

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“I think it’s important for Douglas to know he can still be friends with people, even if their values don’t exactly match up with ours,” Dawn concludes. “I tell him, ‘You don’t have to like everyone but you do need to respect them and try to get along with them.’”

Denise Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children and four grandchildren.

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Eileen found parenting style to be the root of the problem too. So much so, she finally called it quits on Mary and Sean’s relationship.

“When the friendship gets to the point where it no longer enriches both parties it may be time to sever the relationship, particularly if there is a health, safety or power issue,” says DePaul.

“But for the most part, it’s about teaching kids how to live alongside all types of people.”

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Boosting Children’s Spirits after a Bad Day

Question: How do you boost your children’s spirits when they come home feeling low because something bad happened to them at school? -- Baffled Answer: You want to avoid pooh-poohing what happened at school by saying things like, “That was nothing,” or “You’re making too much out of what happened.” The child obviously thought that it was a big deal at the time. At the same time, avoid blaming the child by asking, “What did you do or say that caused the teacher or another student to upset you?” If you do, it well may stop the child from communicating with you in the future.

The best approach is to let your child vent and talk about the upsetting incident. You can agree with the child that what happened was upsetting to him or her. Quite often, this is sufficient to calm the child down. At this point, you can ask the child to consider what he or she might do in the future when faced with a similar situation. Together, you can discuss the child’s ideas. Plus, you can build the child’s confidence by bringing up that he has handled many unpleasant situations successfully in the past.

Finally, if a situation is truly a serious one that is likely to continue, like bullying or a barrage of criticism from a teacher, it is time to step in and ask the teacher for help. And extra hugs and treats can also limit children’s low feelings.

Resolutions to Improve Communication with Children and Teachers

Parents: One of the best ways to help your children succeed in school is to have good communication with both them and their teachers. Obviously, the more you know about what your children are doing at school, the easier it will be for you to help them to do their best. In addition, you will be able to praise them for their very real accomplishments, which makes for a win-win situation.

Every year at this time we make suggestions for New Year’s resolutions that can help parents do things to make their children be even more successful at school. Here are some recommendations that will help you have great communication with your children and their teachers.

Resolutions to improve communication with your children: --Resolve to turn off the television and all other electronic devices as much as possible when you are with your children. This will help everyone focus on what is being said. This is especially important at mealtime.

--Resolve to look at your children when you are talking to them. The secret of good communication lies in eye contact between both speaker and listener.

--Resolve to wait until your children have finished speaking before chiming in with what you have to say.

--Resolve to ask open-ended questions to your children. Questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no” decidedly limit communication.

--Resolve to set up a message board to enable everyone to learn what other members of the family are doing. Good communication is not just verbal communication, but also written communication.

--Resolve to avoid over-correcting your child. A barrage of constant correction turns children away from listening to what their parents have to say.

--Resolve to praise your children for their good work at school. Compliments enhance communication.

--Resolve to be a good model in speaking to your children. Using correct grammar and words will enhance their communication skills.

Resolutions to improve communications with your children’s teachers: --Resolve to be positive and courteous. Good manners always open up the lines of communication.

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--Resolve to attend all parent/teacher conferences. This is your best opportunity to learn what your children are doing in school.

--Resolve to be respectful of a teacher’s time. The best communication occurs when it is convenient for the teacher to talk to you.

--Resolve to keep the lines of communication open all year. Read all notes and emails that come from teachers and check the teachers’ and school’s websites frequently.

--Resolve to reply as soon as possible to all teachers’ notes and emails. This keeps communication going back and forth in a timely manner.

--Resolve to limit your notes and emails to teachers to serious concerns. Overwhelming the teachers with trivial concerns can close the door to a teacher communicating with you.

--Resolve to communicate with teachers to keep them informed of significant changes in your children’s lives. It helps teachers to better understand your children’s behavior.

--Resolve to meet your children’s teachers.

Face-to-face meetings contribute to better communication.

Does Our Child Have a Speech Problem?

Question: Everyone in our family can understand our 4-year-old. However, visitors are often puzzled by what he is saying. Could he have a speech problem and we don’t even recognize it? -- Wondering Answer: Not being understood by people outside the family is one of the signs that 3and 4-year-olds could possibly have a speech disorder. Other signs, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, include not mastering most of the following skills: --Uses a lot of sentences that have four or more words.

--Usually talks easily without repeating syllables or words.

--Uses sentences that give lots of details.

(The biggest peach is mine.)

Parents should send questions to dearteacher@dearteacher. com or ask them on the columnists’ website at www.dearteacher.com.

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T

Celebrating the Holidays in New York City

here are few things as magical as the holiday season in New York. Even the most jaded New Yorker can be enchanted by the twinkling lights and breathtaking glow of December in the city. We’re fortunate to live in one of the most festive places on earth during the holiday season, a veritable winter wonderland for the masses. If you’ve never experienced Christmastime in New York City with your family, then it’s time to start making memories. Sure there’s crowds and tourists galore, but who needs elbowroom when you’re creating new family traditions? Here are some great places to start:

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The Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center

day, December 9 and concluding on Sunday, December 13.

Perhaps the pinnacle of the holiday season in New York, the iconic Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center typically stands at a towering 80 feet high (or higher) and is arguably one of the best photo ops in all of Manhattan. The beloved Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony is seen by millions around the world each year and often serves as the unofficial start of the holiday season.

This year’s tree will light up on Wednesday, December 2.

Ice Skating

There are tons of great options in New York City for hitting the ice with your family. Here in Staten Island you can head over to Staten Island Skating Pavilion for an indoor spin or visit the WWII Veterans War Memorial Ice Skating

The Holiday Train Show

The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden features an impressive display of model trains that zip through 150 landmarks, all recreated with bark, leaves and other natural materials. See tiny versions of familiar NYC sights like the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty and Penn Station, while the kids follow the miniature trains as they chug along from room to room. It’s definitely worth a trip into the Bronx to check out this one-ofa-kind, super family-friendly holiday experience.

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular

Dyker Heights Lights

Simply strolling through the city and window shopping amidst the backdrop of the glowing lights is one of the most festive ways to celebrate the season. But you don’t need to travel into Manhattan for dazzling lights. The Dyker Heights section of Brooklyn is well known for its over-thetop holiday displays, attracting visitors from all five boroughs and beyond to its traffic-halting Christmas scenes and lights. The most impressive displays are located between 11th and 13th Avenues, from 83rd Street up.

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral

Tourists and worshipers come from all over the world to see Saint Patrick’s Cathedral at Christmastime, with over 2,000 people in attendance at their famous annual Midnight Mass led by Cardinal Timothy Dolan. But don’t let the crowds discourage you from visiting the historic midtown cathedral. The gothic-style church is stunning all year long, but it is especially magnificent in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

World’s Largest Menorah

The Radio City Rockettes are one of the most beloved symbols of Christmastime in New York. You can catch the famously synchronized dancers at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, an annual holiday show featuring everything from dancing Santas to a live reenactment of the very first Christmas. See the show this year until January 3.

American Museum of Natural History

Macy’s Santaland

Although the line to meet Santa at Macy’s Santaland will likely be a lengthy one, you’ll be distracted by the 13,000 square foot Christmas Village filled with cheerful holiday scenes and magical characters guiding the way. Pictures with Santa are free if you take them with your own camera. Head to Macy’s Herald Square on the eighth floor to visit Santaland and meet Santa and his elves.

Believe it or not, New York City can stake its claim to not one, but two of the “World’s Largest Menorahs.” One is located in Manhattan’s Grand Army Plaza at Fifth Avenue and West 59th Street and the other is in Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza at the foot of Prospect Park. Each stands at an enormous 32 feet high, which is the maximum allowed by Jewish law. Both locations will host a Menorah Lighting Ceremo ny each night of Hannukkah, beginning Sun

Rink in Clove Lakes Park for open air skating.

But if you really want to get in the holiday spirit, you should check out the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. The picturesque 170’ x 100’ rink is surrounded by holiday shops, a restaurant, and a lovely holiday tree. For a more iconic skating experience, you can also try the Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center located at the foot of the tree. It’s smaller and likely to be very crowded, but it’s the type of thing even seasoned New Yorkers should do at least once.

The popular Origami Holiday Tree welcomes visitors to the American Museum of Natural History every year and is decorated with over 800 hand-folded paper models created by local, national, and international origami artists. In addition to the holiday tree, the AMNH hosts an annual Kwanzaa celebration at the end of December each year. This year’s Kwanzaa spectacular will be held on December 27, hosted by Harlem native Doug E. Fresh.

Holiday Shopping

What’s the holiday season without a little shopping? Charming holiday fairs and markets dot the busiest corners of the city throughout December where shoppers can find everything from handmade ornaments and jewelry to antique gifts for friends. In Manhattan, you’ll find holiday markets in Union Square, Grand Central Terminal, Bryant Park, and Columbus Circle. Want to stay local?

Check out our Holiday Happenings section at siparent.com for a list of Holiday Fairs in Staten Island.

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holiday guide

>> Fun Stuff

Christmas Tree Lightings, Menorah Lightings and Holiday Strolls

Tuesday, December 1 Victory Boulevard Merchant’s Association Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting Ceremony 5-7pm Alfonso’s Bakery Shoppe 1899 Victory Boulevard (718) 273-8802

Tree Lighting at the Stone House

6-8:30pm The Stone House at Clove Lakes 1150 Clove Road (718) 442-3600

Borough Hall Tree Lighting 6:30pm Borough Hall 10 Richmond Terrace (718) 816-2300

Wednesday, December 2 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting 7-9pm Rockefeller Plaza Between West 48th & West 51st Streets & 5th & 6th Avenues in Manhattan (212) 332-6868

New Dorp Lane Christmas Tree Lighting

6-8pm 9th Street and New Dorp Lane (718) 477-1400

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December 2015

Thursday, December 3 Forest Avenue Business Improvement District Holiday Stroll 4-6pm Forest Avenue between Hart Blvd. and Broadway (718) 816-4775

Friday, December 4 Annadale Tree Lighting

7-9pm Annadale Park On Annadale Road next to Richmond County Bank (718) 490-5023

Saturday, December 5 New Brighton Holiday Stroll 8:30am-8pm Snug Harbor Cultural Center 1000 Richmond Terrace (718) 447-2204

Snug Harbor Tree Lighting 11am-6pm Snug Harbor Cultural Center 1000 Richmond Terrace (718) 425-3504

Pleasant Plains, Princes Bay, and Richmond Valley Civic Association’s Annual Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony 4:30pm Winged Victory Statue Bloomingdale Rd. & Amboy Rd.

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Sunday, December 6 Richmondtown Tree Lighting 11am-7pm Historic Richmond Town 441 Clarke Avenue (718) 351-1611

Colonial Christmas

11pm-4pm The Conference House 298 Satterlee Street (718) 984-6046

Tuesday, December 8 Memorial Service & Tree Lighting Ceremony 8pm Old Bermuda Inn 301 Veterans Rd W. (718) 948-7600

Wednesday, December 9 Memorial Service & Tree Lighting Ceremony 8pm Old Bermuda Inn 301 Veterans Rd W. (718) 948-7600

Borough Hall Menorah Lighting 6pm Borough Hall 10 Richmond Terrace (718) 816-2300

COJO’s Annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony Monday, December 7 6:30pm (718) 720-4047) Staten Island Mall (lower level by Sears) 2655 Richmond Avenue

Saturday, December 12 Saint Teresa Parish Tree Lighting 5-7pm Saint Teresa Church 1634 Victory Boulevard 718-442-5412

Saturday, December 19 Westerleigh Park Tree Lighting 6-8pm Westerleigh Park Willard Ave. & Springfield Ave. westerleighpark@aol.com

Saint Patrick’s Church Tree Lighting Following 4pm Mass Saint Patrick’s Church 53 St Patrick’s Place (718) 351-0044

Dates and locations are subject to change without notice. Always call ahead to confirm.

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Holiday Fairs Wednesday, December 2 P.S. 30 Holiday Fair

Christ Church New Brighton Annual St. Nick’s Fair

Tuesday, December 8 PS 37 Holiday Fair

Thursday, December 10 P.S. 58 Holiday Fair

Thursday, December 3 P.S. 30 Holiday Fair

St. Christopher School Christmas Fair

PS 32 Holiday Fair

Staten Island Arts’ Holiday Popup Market

Friday, December 4 P.S. 56 Vendor Fair

I.S. 24 Holiday Fair

200 Wardwell Avenue 347-979-6073 8am-2pm

200 Wardwell Avenue 347-979-6073 8am-2pm, 6-9pm

250 Kramer Avenue 718-967-7040 6pm

St. Teresa Christmas Fair 1634 Victory Blvd.

718-442-5412 8:30am-4pm

P.S. 62 Holiday Fair

644 Bloomingdale Road 718-668-8640 5pm-8:30pm

Saturday, December 5 Art Lab, Inc. Holiday Fair 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-447-8667 11am-4pm

76 Franklin Ave 718-727-6100 10am-3pm

15 Lisbon Place 718-351-0902 12-6pm

225 Cleveland Avenue 718-982-4700 9am-4pm

St. Teresa Christmas Fair 1634 Victory Blvd.

718-442-5412 10am-5pm

Sunday, December 6 Farrell Christmas Fair 2900 Amboy Road 718-987-2900 10am-5pm

232 Barlow Avenue 718-984-1688 4:30-7:30pm

Himalayan Craft Fair

338 Lighthouse Avenue (Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art) 718-987-3500 2-5pm

Wednesday, December 9 Our Lady Help of Christians Christmas Fair 23 Summit Street 718-984-1360 12:30-2:30pm

PS 37 Holiday Fair

St. Teresa Christmas Fair 1634 Victory Blvd.

718-442-5412 9am-2pm

15 Fairfield Street 718-984-9800 6-9pm

15 Fairfield Street 718-984-9800 9am-2pm

77 Marsh Avenue 718-761-2155 6-9pm

10 Ferry Terminal Drive (Culture Lounge Gallery inside St. George Ferry Terminal) 12-7pm

Friday, December 11 Staten Island Arts’ Holiday Popup Market

10 Ferry Terminal Drive (Culture Lounge Gallery inside St. George Ferry Terminal) 12-7pm

Saturday, December 12 P.S. 74 Holiday Fair

In the P.S. 16 gymnasium at 80 Monroe Ave (entrance on Daniel Low Terrace) 10am-3pm

Stapleton UAME Church Holiday Fair

49 Tompkins Ave • 718-273-2857 10am-5pm

Dates and locations are subject to change without notice. Always call ahead to confirm.

More Fairs, Christmas Tree & Menorah Lightings and Holiday Strolls Listed Online.

Visit www.siparent.com for more info.

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Vis

holiday guide

>> Fun Stuff

Christmas Tree Farms Visit our Holiday Visit our section Holiday Happenings at siparent.com for updated Happenings Guide information and lots more holiday fun, including: at siparent.com • Holiday TV Schedule to check opening • Holiday Crafts for Kids dates each • Holiday Giftfor Guide Giveaway farm.

• Holiday Toy Drives • Holiday Fairs • Christmas Tree & Menorah Lighting Ceremonies & Holiday Strolls • Breakfast with Santa & Holiday Shows • Christmas Tree Farms • Santa’s Hotline & Tracking Santa

50

Lazy Susan Tree Farm 184 Sharon Road Robbinsville, NJ 08691 609-208-0784

Ann Allen Tree Farm & Shop 114 Daum Road Manalapan, NJ 07726 732-786-9277

Habiak Farms 315 Deans Rhode Hall Rd. South Brunswick Township, NJ 08810 732-287-2737

Barclay’s Christmas Tree Farm 35 Orchardside Drive Cranbury, NJ 08512 609-799-1855

Kauffman’s Farms 93 Squankum Yellowbrook Rd. Farmingdale, NJ 07727 732-620-3186

Little Acres Farm Market 216 Pennington Lawrenceville Rd Pennington, NJ 08534 609-737-6502

Bullock Farms 83 Emleys Hill Road Cream Ridge, NJ 08514 609-758-8726

Keris Tree Farm 848 Route 524 • Allentown, NJ 08501 609-259-0720

McLaughlin Tree Farm 1312 Old York Road Robbinsville, NJ 08691 609-259-8122

Giamarese Farm 155 Fresh Ponds Rd East Brunswick, NJ 08816 732-821-9494

Lantier Tree Farm 163 Dey Grove Road Englishtown, NJ 08831 732-446-9799

Meadow View Farms 60 Birdsall Road Farmingdale, NJ 07727 732-938-7181

Patterson Greenhouses 636 Adelphia Road Freehold, NJ 07728 732-431-5271 Simonson Farms 118-260 Dey Road Cranbury, NJ 08560 609-730-1110 Westhaven Farm Inc. 725 Route 524 Allentown, NJ 08501 609-259-2186

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Breakfast with Santa, Holiday Shows & Other Holiday Events KidzRock Special Needs Breakfast with Santa

Sunday, December 6 10am-11:30am 8 Johnson Street (off Arthur Kill Rd.) (718) 966-5990

A Bouncing Breakfast with Santa at Party Jam

Breakfast with Santa at Kids ‘N Shape

Saturday, December 13 • 9-11am 153 Main Street (718) 227-8300

The Christmas Show

Saturday, December 12 • 10am-12pm 75 Ellis Street (718) 554-4441

Friday, December 11 • 7pm Saturday, December 12 • 3 & 7pm Sunday, December 13 • 3pm & 7pm St. George Theatre • 35 Hyatt St. 718-442-2900

Annual Breakfast with Santa at Applebees

Beastly Breakfast with Santa at the Staten Island Zoo

Staten Island Mall location: Saturday, December 12 & Sunday, December 13, 8:30–10am 2655 Richmond Ave • 718-370-3761 New Dorp, Expressway Plaza, and Outerbridge Crossing locations: Sunday, December 13, 8:30–10am 430 New Dorp Lane • 718-980-7800 1451 Richmond Ave • 718-477-1300 2720 Veterans Rd W • 718-943-1200

Saturday, December 12 9:30-11:30am 614 Broadway (718) 442-3101 x33

Nutcracker Ballet

Sat, Dec 19 & Sun, Dec 20 CSI Center for the Arts 2800 Victory Blvd.

718-980-0500

Bowling & Breakfast with Santa Sunday, December 20 Rab’s Country Lanes 1600 Hylan Blvd.

718-979-1600

Grand Oaks Country Club Brunch with Santa

Sunday, December 20 • 11am–2pm (several seatings) 200 Huguenot Avenue (718) 356-2771

A Fairy Tale Winter

Tuesday, December 29 • 6pm St. George Theatre • 35 Hyatt St. 718-442-2900

More breakfasts with Santa, and holiday shows listed online.

Visit siparent.com for information.

Dates and locations are subject to change without notice. Always call ahead to confirm.

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Fun stuff

>>Winter Break

U

nlike its lengthier summertime counterpart, the Winter Break leaves parents with few options for entertaining kids while they’re off from school. The cold weather and short days may keep everyone inside, but you don’t need to stay home all week long. Check out some of these local spots in Staten Island for indoor fun over the winter break.

Dates and locations are subject to change without notice.

Always call ahead to confirm.

Rab’s Country Lanes

1600 Hylan Blvd 718-979-1600 *Open at 9am everyday (closed Christmas Day). Closing at 4pm on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

See ad on page 15.

Showplace Entertainment Center

141 East Service Rd. 718-477-2695 *Open Bowling before 6:30pm and after 9:30pm on weekdays and all day on weekends.

See ad on page 39.

Staten Island Skating Pavilion

3080 Arthur Kill Rd. 718-948-4800 *Open for Public Sessions December 24 - 1-4:30pm; December 2630 - 1-4:30 and 7-10pm; December 31 - 1-4:30pm; and New Year’s Day - 1-6pm and 8-11pm.

See ad on page 46.

Fun Station

3555 Victory 718-370-0077 *Open every day 10am to midnight (closed Christmas Day; open half day on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve). Several Holiday Break Specials available, including a buyone-get-one-free all day pass (with Lazer Tag).

See ad on page 14.

54

Bricks 4 Kidz

72 Sharrott Ave. 718-984-5439 *Holiday Break Workshops available throughout the week. Specific dates and times listed in our ad.

See ad on page 28.

Roller Jam

236 Richmond Valley Rd. 718-605-6600 *Open December 28-30 - 1-7pm.

Wednesday will be reduced admission.

Cool Spots for Winter Break in Staten Island Pole Position Raceway

99 Caven Point Rd., Jersey City, NJ 201-333-7223 *Open Monday-Thursday 1210pm; Friday 12-11pm; Saturday 10am-Midnight; Sunday 10am-9pm.

Closed Christmas Day.

See ad on page 66.

Staten Island Children’s Museum

1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 *Cool School Holiday on Monday, December 28 (free admission).

Open 10am-6pm whenever public schools are closed. Walk-in workshop December 28-31, 11am-4pm; Free New Year’s Eve Party 1-3pm.

Closed New Year’s Day.

Boom Kidz

4878 Arthur Kill Rd. 718-605-5439 *Open Play everyday 10am-6pm.

Fast Break Basketball

236 Richmond Valley Rd. 718-948-3710 *Open Gym for grades 2-8 December 28-31 - 10am-2pm.

Fly High Indoor Trampoline Park

YSuperstars

909 Castleton Ave. 718-442-3438 *Winter Programs available for elementary and middle school students December 28-30, 9am-4pm featuring sports, robotics and more!

Created By You

59 New Dorp Plaza N 718-404-9426 *Open everyday 11am-7pm.

Kids N Shape

153 Main Street 718-227-8300 *Open play December 28-31, 9am11am. Closed New Year’s Day.

Chelsea Playground

400 Chelsea Rd. • 718-761-7529 *Open Monday-Thursday 10am6pm. Call for weekend/holiday hours.

Chuck E. Cheese

1175 South Avenue 718-494-1274 *Open Sunday-Thursday 11am9pm. Call for weekend/holiday hours.

Kidz Rock

8 Johnson Street 718-966-5990 * Call for daily hours.

501 Industry Road 718-524-6561 *Open Christmas Eve & New Years Eve 10am-5pm; December 26-30 10am-10pm; New Years Day 12pm10pm.party

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Michael De Simone Ph.D, LCSW michaeldesimonetherapy.com

STATEN ISLAND PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY Celebrating 40 Years of Caring for Your Children

Specializing in Dentistry & Orthodontics for Children, Adolescents & Patients with Special Needs INVISALIGN AVAILABLE • DIGITAL X-RAYS Deborah Gries, D.M.D., M.S.

HELPING ADULTS, CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH Anxiety • Fears & Worries • Anger Depression • Grief & Sadness Insecurity & Shyness Self Esteem & Relationship Problems

Michelle Flanigan, D.M.D. Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Sara Skurnick, D.M.D. Orthodontist

In a Private, Comfortable and Confidential Setting For information or consultation call 718-650-9000 or e-mail michael.w.desimone@gmail.com 175 Burbank Ave (New Dorp) Follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/MichaelDeSimonePhD

OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK | EVENING & SATURDAY HOURS AVAIL.

718.761.7316

195 Bridgetown St.

(Corner of Richmond Hill Rd)

www.sikidsdentist.com • sikidsdentist@gmail.com

Tender Care on the Mount ded Exten om r f Care pm 6 7am

Summer Camp is Availab le

Our program includes reading & math readiness, music, science, social studies and art with an emphasis on cognitive and social development in a safe, nuturing environment.

Space available in our 2 & 3 year old classes: 9am-12pm & 1-4pm Full day UPK 8:30am-2:50pm Indoor and outdoor play areas, large learning center oriented classrooms and NYS & CPR certified experienced teachers

6581 Hylan Blvd

Barbara Quinn, Director 718.317.2849 Ellen Cyriacks, Secretary 718.317.2858

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holiday hot topic: Should Santa deliver all of the presents on Christmas Eve or do Mom & Dad get to dole out some holiday gifts too?

We asked our Facebook Friends to weigh in. Here’s what you had to say: Sherryll Clark Santa brings everything. Mommy and Daddy give them one special gift on Christmas Eve, then they grow up and realize the truth.

Andrea Conevery Albertson There are so many years of their life when they don’t believe. Just let Santa have it for as long as you can. Eventually they learn the truth.

Evelyn Chieffo De Simone I’ve always kept it all from Santa. Just the way it always was for me... The kids rip through... They don’t stop to look at tags.

Roseann Garzillo Harris I’ve always given Santa all the credit however I wrap a couple and put them under the tree from mommy. I always told my kids: “if you don’t believe you won’t receive.”

Kristi De Pascale-Sremcevic We have done from

Christina Bryller DiMeo Santa always has some gifts under our tree. As my husband told my son when he stopped believing “I still believe; he is always in your heart.”

Laurie Petrillo Santa always brought the present in the stockings they hung up. The rest were from us or family members.

Lisa Galizia Santa all the way!!! There may be one small gift from Mommy and Daddy.

Jennifer Coniglione-Morris Santa brings them their big gifts or most favorite and mom and dad bring the rest. They have plenty of time to know when they grow up.

Why ruin it and take the magic away from Christmas?

We’re friends on Facebook, but what about Instagram?

Follow us at @SIParent!

Mom and Dad and those few special ones are from Santa.

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Jennifer Roman My mom always kept it as Santa and I think as u get older and become an adult, where u obviously know who it was from, then you truly appreciate your parents.

I think it should be kept fun for the kid for it to be from Santa until they’re old enough to understand.

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11/23/15 12:41 PM

Dance, Vocal, Acting, Fitness, Acro & More!

On-Going Registration thru 2/15/16

2-1 ALL NEW STUDENTS AND FREE REGISTRATION WITH THIS AD ALL NEW CLASSES FORMING IN JANUARY: MOMMY AND ME CLASS, BABY CO-ED HIP HOP, ALL BOYS OPEN BREAK DANCING, AND MORE!

Our students have received thousands of dollars in scholarships & have achieved advanced placement in honors & scholars programs based on their TACHS & SHSAT scores!

ALL RS UCTO R T INS E R A IFIED CERT RS HE C TEA

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Advanced Test Prep & Tutoring Services

NYS ELA & MATH TEST PREP • GRADES 3-8 – STARTS IN JANUARY Reading & Writing Instruction Weekly Math Session • Aligned to Common Core Standards

TACHS TEST PREP 7TH GRADE • FEBRUARY TO JUNE PROGRAM

Weekly Vocabulary & Spelling • Grammar & Reading Comprehension • Math Concepts & Problem Solving

SAT TEST PREP • JANUARY TO JUNE PROGRAM

Weekly Math & Verbal Classes • Two Full Length Exams • Weekly Vocabulary

SPECIALIZED HIGH SCHOOL TEST PREP 7TH GRADE • JAN TO JUNE PROGRAM

24 Ellis Street • SI, NY 10307

718.967.9723 • LADanceNYNJ@gmail.com

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Full Length Tests & in Class Quizzes Techniques & Content Review • Advanced Mathematics & Reading

718-351-3168 • 99 New Dorp Plaza (near the train) www.AcademicAdvantageSI.com

AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE PARTIES

– AND ADULTS –

DATES ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR DECEMBER. CALL FOR DETAILS.

HAVE YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY HERE

DROP THE KIDS OFF WHILE YOU HOLIDAY SHOP

347.937.0886

639 Veterans Road West • Unit D Staten Island, NY 10309 Lowes Shopping Center Off Expressway statenisland@wineanddesign.com wineanddesign.com/statenisland

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Providing Quality Home-Based Early Intervention Evaluations and Services

Early Start:

EVALUATIONS AND SERVICES FOR CHILDREN BIRTH TO 3 YEARS

• Psychology

• ABA/VBA

ALL THERAPISTS ARE LICENSED, CERTIFIED, OR BOARD CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSTS

• OT – Fine motor and sensory integration • PT – Gross motor

• ST – Speech/language and feeding

Elise Vetere, PhD., ABSNP Director Licensed Psychologist

• Developmental - Infant stimulation • Family Training

Diplomate in School Neuropsychology with extensive experience evaluating, diagnosing, and providing behavioral interventions for over 25 years.

Dr. Vetere is also well versed and lectures on topics including “The Psychology of the Exceptional Child” and “Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)”.

718-887-4947 • 311 • EarlyStartInc.com • KIDS and PARENTS are amazed dental visits can be FUN & STRESS FREE!

K I D S

ier Prem l S.I.’s ric Denta t g ia in d id e P Prov e, Officeprehensiv d e m z o li C na Perso are C

• General Anesthesia and Sedation available: In-Office or at Staten Island University Hospital

Helping Kids One Smile at a Time!

Your Child’s HAPPINESS & DENTAL HEALTH are our #1 prioity!

Board Certified Pediatric Dentistry

Exce Stat ptional e, Pedi of-theArt atric D Offic ental e

Dr. Lisa Lazzara

With over 20 years specialty experience

TOYS FOR TOTS

Donate an unwrapped toy, and your name will be entered for a Toys R Us Gift Card

Serving Children of All Ages and Those with Special Needs

Dr. Lauren Cox

www.sidentist4kids.com Holiday Special

FREE EXAM (New patients only)

4864 ARTHUR KILL RD 718-356-KIDS (5437) Like us on Kids Dental of Staten Island Follow us on Instagram @kidsdentalofsi Major Insurances Accepted. Financing Available.

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PARENTING

>> Tech Talk

IS MY CHILD READY FOR A SMARTPHONE?

S

hould I give my child a smartphone? If so, what is the appropriate age? These are two questions many parents ponder over, especially as they maintain a growing concern for their child’s safety using smartphones and other technology. There are several ways to child-proof your electronics, but whether or not to give your child a smartphone or tablet of their own brings about other questions to consider: what is the purpose of giving them a smartphone? How will my child be using the phone? Do I feel my child needs access to more advanced capabilities, such as GPS tracking or access to all apps in the app store?

While there isn’t a universal age at which parents agree is the “right” age to give their kid a smartphone, there are a few things to consider that can help you decide what’s best for you and your family. Here are a few tips to help determine whether or not your child is ready for a smartphone:

Weigh your options

If you or another family member is taking your children to school and bringing them back home every day, a smartphone may not be necessary, especially if they are too young to participate in any sports, extracurricular activities and other after-school events.

However, if your children participate in a lot after school activities or walk to school by themselves every day, you may want to have

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a line of communication with them. This can help you coordinate pick-up times around their practices, study sessions or rehearsals and give you a heads up if their activities are canceled on a particular day. It also helps put parents’ minds at ease knowing their children have a way to contact someone in the event that they run into any trouble on their walk home from school or while they wait for their ride.

After you decide that you do want your child to have a cellphone, the next thing you need to consider is whether or not you want to give them a basic phone, with only the ability to place and receive calls or texts, or a smartphone, with more advanced capabilities including access to the Internet and communication apps like Snapchat or Instagram. This choice may largely depend on your child’s age and what you think they’re mature enough to handle, as a basic cell phone with less features may be the better option for younger children.

Consider the added benefits

Smartphones are for more than just games, social media and texting friends. There are a lot of educational apps with great learning tools that parents can download for their kids to use. If you opt for a smartphone for the educational benefits but still wor-

ry about what your child does with the device when you’re not around, there are parental control tools that allow you to monitor their activity. Net Nanny, for example, covers iOS, Android and Kindle Fire devices to help parents keep tabs of what their kids are doing on their phone’s browser, messaging apps and social media accounts. Net Nanny also allows parents to set time limits on phone use and provides parents with alerts and reports of their child’s activity. Read our parental control software reviews to learn more.

An additional potential benefit to parents who opt to give their child a smartphone is the option to track the physical location of their child’s phone. Most cell phone providers give parents the ability to track their child’s smartphone using the phone’s built-in GPS features. If you choose to enable this feature with your service provider, you can see when your child gets to school, when they are on their way home or heading to their extracurricular activities and when they get home.

Talk about smart and safe phone usage

In addition to putting restrictions on phone usage (e.g.; no using it at the dinner table or after a certain time every night), parents should engage with their children as they try out new apps and explore new parts of their phone. Sit down with them, ask important questions and make sure they are aware of any potential safety concerns. Many kids, especially the younger ones, may see no harm in what they do on apps and online, but they could be unknowingly exposing sensitive information, like a phone number or home address, and putting you and your family at risk of identity theft.

When it comes to determining what age is best to give you child a cellphone, the decision ultimately boils down to parental preference. Whether you think your kid is better off without a phone or it’s imperative to get them one is a judgment call every parent must make for themselves.

holiday shopping ? come in for great savings on

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www.suzannesfashioncorner.com 718.442.8992 Mon-Sat 10am-6pm • All Major Credit Cards & ATM Cards Accpeted

DECEMBER 2015

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Usual Stuff

Welcome to Our Newest Islanders!

>> OMG I’m a Mom

Baby’s room Designing your baby’s nursery is one of the most exciting parts of being pregnant. Most nesting new moms look forward to creating the perfect baby’s room. But from furniture style and placement to wall color and theme, there are so many decisions to make. Will you go gender neutral or create a whirlwind of pink or blue? Will you choose a stylish and contemporary theme to match the rest of your home, or go with cutesy animals and cartoon characters?

Here are a few tips guide you through the process of setting up baby’s nursery: • Comfort first, cute second. You will be spending just as much time in the nursery as your baby will. Your selections should be well-suited for both of you. Find the coziest rocking chair on the market; opt for soothing colors over harsher ones; cover the cold floor with a soft rug for your bare feet; carve out a space just for you where you can keep anything you need within arm’s reach (snacks, a drink, a magazine, etc.).

• Don’t waste your money. Some items you’ll love and use on a daily basis, others not so much. Seasoned moms rarely swear by their wipe warmers, dirty diaper pails, crib bumpers and quilts (which pose a suffocation risk anyway), and overpriced pieces to match the bedding (think laundry hampers, trash cans, lamps and diaper holders). A changing table isn’t exactly a necessity either. Purchasing a low dresser that you will need for the long haul with a changing table topper, or simply placing a $15 changing pad on top is a more sensible choice.

Talk to a few veteran moms to find out what worked for them and what didn’t.

• Safety comes first. Forget feng shui; practicality is more important. Never put the baby’s crib near a window and keep all wires and electrical cords as far away as possible. Use cordless window shades, if possible, and be sure any area rugs have non-skid backing. Crib mobiles should be hung securely and out of baby’s reach. Secure all furniture to the wall using furniture straps. Your child won’t be walking around for quite some time, but taking these precautions as early as possible will lessen the possibility of accidents later on.

• Think outside the box. Don’t rely on baby stores to provide every piece for the room. Mix and match designs from different stores to create a one-of-a-kind room that you will never tire of looking at.

Logan Michael Damora October 9, 2015 7 pounds, 14 ounces Parents: Michele & Ryan

Madisyn Reyes May 1, 2015 8 pounds, 8 ounces Parents: Dawn & Eric

Giovanni Gabriel Occhipinti Oct 26, 2015 7 pounds, 5 ounces Parents: Christine & John

Brian Michael Palma, Jr. June 30, 2015 8 pounds, 2 ounces Parents: Nancy & Brian

Angelica May Zimmerman September 2, 2015 9 pounds, 3 ounces Parents: Audree & Todd

Submit Your Baby’s Birth Announcement @ www.siparent.com

Giveaway Arbonne’s ABC Baby Care® Bundle

Arbonne’s ABC Baby Care Collection is a 4-product line of tear-free, sensitive skin-approved baby care products created with pure ingredients and free of artificial fragrances, dyes, and other chemical ingredients that can irritate a baby’s skin. Their products work in tandem to protect skin from sun damage or environmental irritants, as well as utilize vegetable surfactant cleansing agents that are mild, gentle and can be washed off the skin. One lucky winner will win an ABC Baby Care Bundle containing Hair & Body Wash, Baby Lotion, Mineral Sunscreen, and Diaper Rash Cream. For more information, visit www.arbonne.com.

A $84 prize value!

Visit siparent.com/contests to enter

product review Tempaper

So your little one outgrew the adorable baby ducks you painstakingly plastered to her wall while eight months pregnant and now you’re tasked with wallpaper removal and replacement? Tempaper is a removable, peel-and-stick wallpaper that is easy to apply and easy to remove. Perfect for baby’s room, it’s eco-friendly as well as phthalate-free, lead-free, and VOC-free. There are over 90 designs to choose from, including a new baby line from Tots by P’kolino.

Check it out at www.tempaperdesigns.com. $34.99-$125 per roll.

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A Multi-Sensory Approach to Learning

On-Going Registrati on

• Core Curriculum • Emphasis on Language & Communication Skills CALL FOR A VISIT • FLEXIBLE PROGRAM SCHEDULE ON-GOING REGISTRATION Monday-Friday, Half & Full Days Available Liz Brandefine - Educational Director • Early Drop Off Established 1990 Camp Licensed by the Bureau of Day Care • 4 year old Pre-K program Early Bird • 3 year old Pre-K program Starts in • 2 year old Nursery program January

www.villagepreschoolsi.com village.preschool@gmail.com s Age 2-6

718.967.5809

76 St. Albans Pl (off Amboy) december

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Ho-ho-hold on a minute!

You’re not leaving those boring old cookies out for Santa again this year, are you?

It’s time to try something new.

With this festive snack mix from Jennifer West at PinkWhen.com, your house will be his new favorite Christmas Eve stop!

Ingredients 8-10 cups popped popcorn 2-3 cups Holiday shaped pretzels 1 cup red and green holiday sprinkles 1 12-ounce package chocolate chips 2 cups peanuts 3/4 cup corn syrup 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups Sugar 1/2 cup butter 1 12-ounce package M&M’s® Holiday Baking Minis and/or M&M’s® Holiday Mint Candies’ directions Preheat the oven to 325. Add the peanuts, popcorn, and pretzels in a large mixing bowl and set aside.

In a small saucepan, melt butter, vanilla, sugar, and corn syrup over low heat until melted and smooth, stirring constantly.

Pour over the ingredients in the bowl. Toss until all covered.

Spread the popcorn mix on a baking tray or cake pan (may want to use two pans). Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with 1/2 cup Holiday sprinkles, stir.

Sprinkle with M&M’S® candies, stir again.

Place chocolate chips in a small microwave safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds and stir.

Repeat until melted and smooth. Drizzle over the popcorn. Sprinkle with remaining sprinkles. Let cool approximately 10-20 minutes (may put in refrigerator so chocolate hardens more quickly. Once cool, break into chunks.

Store or give as a gift in your favorite holiday packaging!

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Usual Stuff

>> Life is Grand

Memorable Gifts that Show You Care – Even From a Distance

by Marianna Randazzo

Editor’s Note: This is Marianna’s last Life is Grand! column.

We thank her for all her wonderful insight, advice, and tips for our Staten Island Grandparents, and wish her all the best in her future endeavors experiencing the grand life! Read past columns on SIParent.com.

Being away from grandparents during the holidays shouldn’t take away from the meaning of sharing and caring about each other. With today’s technology and a few trinkets from the dollar store or a souvenir shop, a lot of love could be shared on any day of the year.

Here are a few ideas for giving back and forth between grandparents and grandchildren: • Stay away from toys that will have little meaning to them within a few months.

Consider an ornament that has a special meaning. It may be from a trip you attended, something especially inscribed, or a menorah from somewhere special.

If possible, date it so that every year as the child grows the collection will have meaning.

RESPITE PROVIDERS NEEDED

• Buy a ticket to a one-day experience with you. When you know you will be visiting the children or they will visit you, have tickets ready to an event such as a play, sports event or musical performance. If the price is out of your range, a gift certificate to a favorite restaurant for just grandparents and grandchildren will give everyone something to look forward to. Time spent together is not soon forgotten.

• Although for some people, books have moved to the side by eBooks, a small collection of classics is something a child may like to have in his or her library.

Perhaps the inspiration will lead to an interest in the masterpieces. Most bookstores have beautiful collections especially during the holidays.

THE JEWISH BOARD IS CURRENTLY SEEKING A RESPITE PROVIDERS TO TEMPORARILY CARE FOR CHILDREN 5-18 IN THEIR HOME. This eases the on-going stress often experienced by families of children with serious emotional disturbances. Respite Providers receive special training in working with children 5-18 with serious emotional disturbances before a child is placed in their home. They are trained in a NYS Office of Mental Health approved training that is specific to working with children with emotional and behavioral challenges. Respite Providers receive Clearance through the State Central Registry and are fingerprinted through the Office of Mental Health before a child is placed. This can occur on an emergency or planned basis and provides relief from care-giving responsibilities for the family.

Respite Provider duties are to provide basic care to the child including: • Room and board and personal care items • Nurturing and acceptance in the family; fair and equal treatment with other children in the home • Clear and fair limits and ground rules • Adequate direct supervision according to each child’s needs • Transportation as needed for the child Respite Providers write daily progress notes and communicate/collaborate with the respite program case manager and other programs and/or agencies that may be involved in the child’s care.

Requirements: Minimum of High School Diploma required. Experience working with children.

To apply, please visit www.thejewishboard.org

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• Art supplies are an all-time favorite with kids of all ages. Along with the supplies, add the stipulation that the children send you their artwork or a picture of it. When you run out of room on the refrigerator, use an old fashioned photo album, or a binder with sheet protectors to collect all their artwork. (Tip: put child’s name and year on all art work).

For a gift that keeps on giving, consider monthly care packages with snacks and little gifts like gloves and hats or books, age appropriate, of course! Let the kids know that they will be getting a small package from the “Grandkids of the Month Club” exclusively set up for them!

Another way to keep the fun of sharing going is when you do get together, leave a bunch of small gifts wrapped for each month you will be a part. (Fun gifts could also be practical too, such as crazy socks, fresh school supplies, etc.). Have the parent put them away and take them out at the beginning of each month to present to the grandchild. Have mom take a picture of the kids opening gifts and send it over to the grandfolks!

I guarantee most of the above gifts will put a grand smile on everyone’s face.

By Staten Islander Marianna Randazzo, author, educator, and a two-time grandmother.

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For Women,

By Women

www.aleciagiovinazzo.com

“Wishing You Peace, Joy & Love This Holiday Season” December 2015

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Tuesday, December 1

Baby Space St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 10am • Free • Ages 0-1.5

La Leche Meeting Christ Church of New Brighton 76 Franklin Avenue 10:30am • Free • Adults Baby Bounce Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 10:30am • Free • Ages 0-1.5 Tot’s Time Plus SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • 5 w/ admission • Ages 1-5 Tuesday Storytime Barnes & Noble 2245 Richmond Avenue 718-982-6983 11am • Free • All ages Teen Lounge Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 2:30pm • Free • Ages 11+ Teen/Tween Painting Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Free • Ages 10+ Afternoon Story Time and Craft Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 3:30pm • Free • Ages 3-6 Book Buddies Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Free • Grades 1-5 Craft Corner Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 4pm • Free • Ages 3-11 Read Aloud South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 4pm • Free • All ages ABC Read with Me Picture Book Time St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 4pm • Free • Ages 3-8 Math Tutoring Tuesdays Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 4pm • Free • Grades 1-6

Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. Call to confirm before you attend.

Victory Boulevard Merchant’s Association Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting Ceremony Alfonso’s Pastry Shoppe 1872 Victory Blvd Monday, March 28 5pm • Free • All ages Israeli Folk Dancing Bernikow JCC 1466 Manor Road 718-475-5263 6pm • $5 • All ages Tree Lighting at the Stone House The Stone House at Clove Lakes 1150 Clove Road (718) 442-3600 6pm • Free • All ages

Italian Language Club Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 11am • Free • All ages Clay Day SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1:30pm • Free w/admission • Ages 2-10 Voice of the People Tour Historic Richmond Town 378-410 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 2:30pm • Free w/admission • All ages Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane

Events & Activities descriptions & details on the events listed here can be found on siparent.com December Is:

AIDS Awareness Month National Drunk Driving Prevention Month Safe Toys and Gifts Month

important dates: Hanukkah - Dec 6-14 First Day of Winter – Dec 21 Christmas Eve – Dec 24 Christmas Day – Dec 25 Kwanzaa – Dec 26-Jan 1 New Year’s Eve -Dec 31

Wednesday, December 2

Free Mammography Screenings Senator Andrew Lanza’s District Office 3845 Richmond Avenue 9am • Free • Adults

718-351-2977 3:30pm • Free • Grades PreK-8 Board Games South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free • All ages

Play, Plan, Prototype Fresh Kills Old Mill Road 4pm • Free • All ages

Baby Time South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 10:30am • Free • Ages 0-3

Book Buddies Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Free • Grades 1-5

LiteracyINC: Story Hour Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 5pm • Free • All ages

Itty Bitty Play Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 11am • Free • Ages 0-3

Family Storytime Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 4pm • Free • Ages 3-12

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Read Aloud/Picture Book Time New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 4pm • Free • Ages 3+ Family Story Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 4pm • Free • All ages Crafternoon West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 4pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Animal Odyssey Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 4pm • Free • All ages Unstructured Activity Time for Kids St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 4pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Group Hike or Trail Run Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 6pm • Free • All ages

Thursday, December 3

Toddler Time St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 10:30am • Free • Ages 1.5-3

Tot’s Time Plus SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • Free w/ admission • Ages 1-5 Baby & Me Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 11am • Free • Ages 0-1.5 Paint Day SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1:30pm • Free w/admission • Ages 2-10 CloseKnit Noble Maritime Collection 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-447-6490 2pm • Free • Adults Teen Lounge Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 2:30pm • Free • Ages 11+ Behind the Scenes at the Museum Historic Richmond Town 378-410 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 2:30pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Book Buddies Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Free • Grades 1-5 Kiddie Tech Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue

11/23/15 11:27 AM

212-621-0690 4pm • Free • Ages 6-11 Homework Help St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 4pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Be a City Hero: Water Pollution New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 4pm • Free • All ages Lego Club West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 4pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Movies South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 4:30pm • Free • All ages The Pipes Are Calling St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 76 Saint Albans Place 718-984-6060 7:30pm • Free • All ages

Friday, December 4

Toddler Time Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 10:15am • Free • Ages 1.5-3 Toddler Rhyme Time New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 10:30am • Free • Ages 1.5-2.5

Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. Call to confirm before you attend.

Wii Love Gaming Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5-11 Petunia Penguin Goes to School Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Free • Ages 4+ Annadale Tree Lighting Annadale Park 820 Annadale Road 7pm • Free • All ages The Polar Express Storytime Barnes & Noble 2245 Richmond Avenue

Storytime Barnes & Noble 2245 Richmond Avenue 718-982-6983 11am • Free • All ages

Holidays at Snug Harbor Snug Harbor Cultural Center

descriptions & details on the events listed here can be found on siparent.com Annadale Tree Lighting Annadale Park December 4 • 7pm 718-967-0022 southshoreldc.org

Baby and Me Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 11am • Free • Ages 0-1.5

Eating America Tour Historic Richmond Town 378-410 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 2pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Himalayan Craft Fair Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art 338 Lighthouse Avenue 718-987-3500 2pm • $6 • All ages Kiddie Game Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 3pm • Free • Ages 6-11 Knitting Hour South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3pm • Free • Adults Cinema Saturdays Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 3pm • Free • All ages Nature Walk Acme Pond Hylan Boulevard and Holten Avenue 3pm • Free • All ages Unleash Your Creativity Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 3pm • Free • Ages 5-12 A Christmas Carol College of Staten Island 2800 Victory Blvd.

718-982-2000 3pm • $15 • Ages 7+ Forest Avenue Holiday Stroll Forest Avenue Business Improvement District Forest Avenue between Hart Blvd. and Broadway 718-816-4775 4pm • Free • All ages

Sunday, December 6

The event will feature a train ride for the kids, candy, live musical performances, rides, DJ and of course the arrival of Santa Claus, including photo ops and candy canes!

Kidz Cook SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 2pm • Free w/ admission • All ages

718-982-6983 7pm • Free • All ages

Light, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness Tour Historic Richmond Town 378-410 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 2:30pm • Free w/ admission • All ages

Bank of America Museums On Us Staten Island Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building A 718-727-1135 10am • Free • All ages

Wii Time South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free • All ages

Fitness Saturday Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 10:15am • Free • All ages

Lego Hour Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5-11

Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 11am • Free • Grades PreK-8

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In Alice’s Garden: Fall Service Day Alice Austen House Museum 2 Hylan Blvd.

718-816-4506 11am • Free • All ages

Events & Activities

Toddler Time Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 10:30am • Free • Ages 1.5-3

Preschool Story Time Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 11:30am • Free • Ages 3-5

Holiday Celebration – Tree Trimming Blue Heron Nature Center 222 Poillon Avenue 718-967-3542 11am • Free • All ages

2351 Veteran’s Road West 718-605-3970 1pm • Free • All ages

Saturday, December 5

1000 Richmond Terrace 718-448-2500 11am • Free • All ages Story time with P.S. 44 Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 12pm • Free • All ages Art Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Nature Walk Fresh Kills Old Mill Road 1pm • Free • All ages Keepsakes and Pomanders The Interpretive Center

Birding with Friends of Blue Heron Great Kills Park Hylan Blvd. & Buffalo Street 718-987-6729 9am • Free • All ages BYOB (Bring your own Baby) Yogalates Bernikow JCC 1466 Manor Road 718-475-5263 9:30am • $10 • Ages 0-1 Christmas in Richmond Town & Traditional Tree Lighting Historic Richmond Town 378-410 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 11am • $2 • All ages Bank of America Museums On Us Staten Island Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building A 718-727-1135 12pm • Free • All ages

11/23/15 11:27 AM

Art Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Nature Walk Bucks Hollow 700 Rockland Ave 1pm • Free • All ages Playful Plastics Polymers Blue Heron Nature Center 222 Poillon Avenue 718-967-3542 2pm • Free • Ages 8-12 Building the American Dream Tour Historic Richmond Town 378-410 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 2pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Sense-ational Science: Kitchen Edition Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 2pm • $8 • All ages Hanukkah Musical Performance SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 2pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Doggie Boot Camp Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds 1131 Manor Road 718-761-1423 3:30pm • Free • All ages

Monday, December 7

Memorial Service & Tree Lighting Ceremony The Old Historic Bermuda Inn 2512 Arthur Kill Road 718-948-7600 8am • Free • All ages

Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. Call to confirm before you attend.

Homework Help St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 4pm • Free • Ages 5-12

Baby Bounce Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 10:30am • Free • Ages 0-1.5

Story Time Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 4pm • Free • Ages 3-11

Tot’s Time Plus SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • 5 w/ admission • Ages 1-5

Read Aloud Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 4pm • Free • All ages

Preschool Fun Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 11am • Free • Ages 3-5

Investigation South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road

Special Hanukkah Tuesday Storytime Barnes & Noble 2245 Richmond Avenue

Events & Activities descriptions & details on the events listed here can be found on siparent.com Forest Avenue Holiday Stroll

All Join In! Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 11am • Free • Ages 2-4 Toddler Story Time Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 11am • Free • Ages 1.5-3

Forest Avenue Between Hart Blvd. & Broadway December 5 • 4pm 718-816-4775 forestavenuebid.com

There will be music, refreshments, sales, raffles, carolers, and holiday treats for all to enjoy. Enjoy the festivities and support small businesses. Don’t be surprised to find Santa strolling along with you.

Pre-School Stories West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 11:15am • Free • Ages 3-5

718-816-5834 4pm • Free • Young Adults

718-982-6983 11am • Free • All ages

Baby Space!

Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 11:45am • Free • Ages 0-1.5

Homework Help Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 5pm • Free • Grades 1-6

Toddler Time West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 11:15am • Free • Ages 1.5-3

Wii Gaming Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 2:45pm • Free • Ages 5-11 Book Buddies Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Free • Grades 1-5

December Calendar.indd 3

Tuesday, December 8

Memorial Service & Tree Lighting Ceremony The Old Historic Bermuda Inn 2512 Arthur Kill Road 718-948-7600 8am • Free • All ages Baby Space St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 10am • Free • Ages 0-1.5

Teen Lounge Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 2:30pm • Free • Ages 11+ Kiddie Game Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 3pm • Free • Ages 6-11 Teen/Tween Sewing Great Kills Library

56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Free • Ages 10+ Afternoon Story Time and Craft Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 3:30pm • Free • Ages 3-6 Book Buddies Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Free • Grades 1-5 Bubbles Kids Show Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 4pm • Free • Ages 4+ Be a City Hero: Garbage and Recycling New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 4pm • Free • All ages ABC Read with Me Picture Book Time St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 4pm • Free • Ages 3-8 Math Tutoring Tuesdays Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 4pm • Free • Grades 1-6 LiteracyINC: Story Hour Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 5pm • Free • All ages Israeli Folk Dancing Bernikow JCC 1466 Manor Road 718-475-5263 6pm • $5 • All ages

Wednesday, December 9

Itty Bitty Play Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 11am • Free • Ages 0-3

Italian Language Club Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 11am • Free • All ages Clay Day SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1:30pm • Free w/admission • Ages 2-10 Voice of the People Tour Historic Richmond Town 378-410 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 2:30pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Tasty Towers Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 2:30pm • Free • Ages 12-18 Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane

11/23/15 11:27 AM

718-351-2977 3:30pm • Free • Grades PreK-8 Board Games South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free • All ages Book Buddies Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Free • Grades 1-5 Bookcraft Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 4pm • Free • Ages 4-8 Family Storytime Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 4pm • Free • Ages 3-12 Read Aloud/Picture Book Time New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 4pm • Free • Ages 3+ Play It Forward Anti-Bully Workshop Rossville A.M.E. Zion Church 584 Bloomingdale Road 4pm • Free • All ages Family Story Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 4pm • Free • All ages Crafternoon West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 4pm • Free • Ages 5-12

Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. Call to confirm before you attend.

Paint Day 76 Saint Albans Place SI Children’s Museum 718-984-6060 1000 Richmond Terrace 7:30pm • Free • All ages 718-273-2060 1:30pm • Free w/admission • Ages 2-10 Friday, December 11 Teen Lounge Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 2:30pm • Free • Ages 11+

Toddler Time Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 10:15am • Free • Ages 1.5-3

Behind the Scenes at the Museum Historic Richmond Town 378-410 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 2:30pm • Free w/admission • All ages

Preschool Storytime South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 10:30am • Free • Pre-K

Events & Activities

Kids’ Movie Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue

descriptions & details on the events listed here can be found on siparent.com Keepsakes and Pomanders

Snowflake Ornaments Craft Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 4pm • Free • All ages Unstructured Activity Time for Kids St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 4pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Group Hike or Trail Run Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 6pm • Free • All ages

Thursday, December 10

Preschool Time St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 10:30am • Free • Ages 3-4

Tot’s Time Plus SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • 5 w/ admission • Ages 1-5 Baby & Me Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 11am • Free • Ages 0-1.5

December Calendar.indd 4

Baby Rhyme Time New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane

The Interpretive Center December 5 • 1pm 718-967-1976 nysparks.com

Create holiday keepsakes and/or pomanders for Bodhi Day, Christmas, Festivus, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Pancha Ganapati, the Solstice, an early Mawlid an-Nabi, or even just to spruce up a secular household.

212-621-0690 3pm • Free • All ages Book Buddies Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Free • Grades 1-5 Homework Help St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 4pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Lego Club West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 4pm • Free • Ages 5-12 The Pipes Are Calling St. Alban’s Episcopal Church

718-351-2977 10:30am • Free • Ages 0-1.5 Toddler Time Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 10:30am • Free • Ages 1.5-3 Preschool Play, Story & Craft Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 10:30am • Free • Ages 3-5 Baby and Me Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 11am • Free • Ages 0-1.5

Preschool Story Time Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 11:30am • Free • Ages 3-5 Kidz Cook SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 2pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Light, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness Tour Historic Richmond Town 378-410 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 2:30pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Family Yoga Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 3pm • Free • All ages Fun Fridays: Stories and a Craft Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Free • Ages 4+ Wii Time South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free • All ages Wii Love Gaming Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5-11

Saturday, December 12

Pop-up Holiday Market Staten Island Cultural Lounge 10 Ferry Terminal Drive 718-447-3329 12am • Free • All ages La Leche Meeting Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 10am • Free • Adults Fitness Saturday Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 10:15am • Free • All ages Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 11am • Free • Grades PreK-8 Wormshop Snug Harbor Cultural Center 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-448-2500 11am • $5 • All ages Storytime Barnes & Noble 2245 Richmond Avenue 718-982-6983 11am • Free • All ages Story time with P.S. 44 Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 12pm • Free • All ages Hocus Pocus Promise SI Children’s Museum

11/23/15 11:27 AM

1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 12pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Art Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Family Holiday Craft Workshop Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 1pm • $12 • Ages 10+ A Christmas Carol Snug Harbor Cultural Center 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-448-2500 1pm • Free • All ages Eating America Tour Historic Richmond Town 378-410 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 2pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Open Craft Hour Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 2pm • Free • Ages 6-16 Animal Senses Blue Heron Nature Center 222 Poillon Avenue 718-967-3542 2pm • Free • Ages 6-10 Gingerbread Houses Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 2pm • Free • Ages 5-10 Knitting Hour South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3pm • Free • Adults Unleash Your Creativity Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 3pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Candlelight Tours Historic Richmond Town 378-410 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 5pm • 12-22 • All ages St. Teresa Tree Lighting St. Teresa Church 1634 Victory Boulevard 718-442-5412 5pm • Free • All ages

Sunday, December 13

Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. Call to confirm before you attend.

Building the American Dream Tour Historic Richmond Town 378-410 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 2pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Astrobiology: Is there life on other planets?

Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 2pm • Free • All ages Doggie Boot Camp Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds 1131 Manor Road 718-761-1423 3:30pm • Free • All ages

Wii Gaming Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 2:45pm • Free • Ages 5-11 Book Buddies Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Free • Grades 1-5 Homework Help St. George Library 5 Central Avenue

Events & Activities

Owl Prowl Blue Heron Nature Center

descriptions & details on the events listed here can be found on siparent.com Animal Senses

Blue Heron Nature Center December 12 • 2pm 718-967-3542 preserve2.org/blueheron

While humans largely rely on sight and hearing to find their way through the world, many animals rely more heavily on their other senses. Some animals even have senses that we don’t. Participants will explore other animal’s senses through activities and observations of various animals.

222 Poillon Avenue 718-967-3542 6:30pm • Free • All ages

Monday, December 14

Trail of the Month Hike High Rock Park 200 Nevada Avenue 718-667-2165 11am • Free • All ages

All Join In! Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 11am • Free • Ages 2-4

Art Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1pm • Free w/ admission • All ages

Toddler Story Time Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 11am • Free • Ages 1.5-3

Nature Walk Long Pond Park Page Avenue & Amboy Road 1pm • Free • All ages

Pre-School Stories West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 11:15am • Free • Ages 3-5

December Calendar.indd 5

Baby Space!

Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 11:45am • Free • Ages 0-1.5

718-442-8560 4pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Story Time Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 4pm • Free • Ages 3-11 Read Aloud Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 4pm • Free • All ages Be a City Hero: Plant Life New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 4pm • Free • All ages Gingerbread Houses Tottenville Library

7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 4pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Investigation South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 4pm • Free • Young Adults Homework Help Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 5pm • Free • Grades 1-6

Tuesday, December 15

Baby Space St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 10am • Free • Ages 0-1.5

Baby Bounce Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 10:30am • Free • Ages 0-1.5 Tot’s Time Plus SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • 5 w/ admission • Ages 1-5 Tuesday Storytime Barnes & Noble 2245 Richmond Avenue 718-982-6983 11am • Free • All ages Toddler Time West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 11:15am • Free • Ages 1.5-3 Teen Lounge Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 2:30pm • Free • Ages 11+ Kids Scavenger Hunt West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 3pm • Free • Ages 6-12 Preschool Program New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 3:30pm • Free • Ages 2.5-5 Afternoon Story Time and Craft Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 3:30pm • Free • Ages 3-6 Book Buddies Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Free • Grades 1-5 Craft Corner Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 4pm • Free • Ages 3-11 ABC Read with Me Picture Book Time St. George Library 5 Central Avenue

11/23/15 11:27 AM

718-442-8560 4pm • Free • Ages 3-8 Kids Show St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 4pm • Free • All ages Math Tutoring Tuesdays Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 4pm • Free • Grades 1-6 Play, Plan, Prototype Fresh Kills Old Mill Road 4pm • Free • All ages LiteracyINC: Story Hour Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 5pm • Free • All ages Israeli Folk Dancing Bernikow JCC 1466 Manor Road 718-475-5263 6pm • $5 • All ages

Wednesday, December 16

Itty Bitty Play Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 11am • Free • Ages 0-3

Italian Language Club Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 11am • Free • All ages Home-school Program: Hibernation, Migration and Adaptation Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 1pm • $8 • Grades K-4 Clay Day SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1:30pm • Free w/ admission • Ages 2-10 Voice of the People Tour Historic Richmond Town 378-410 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 2:30pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 3:30pm • Free • Grades PreK-8 Board Games South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free • All ages Book Buddies Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Free • Grades 1-5 Miss Navida Song & Story Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 3:30pm • Free • All ages

December Calendar.indd 6

Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. Call to confirm before you attend.

Bookcraft Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 4pm • Free • Ages 4-8

Group Hike or Trail Run Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 6pm • Free • All ages

Family Storytime Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 4pm • Free • Ages 3-12

La Leche Virtual Meeting Google Hangout 7:30pm • Free • Adults

Read Aloud/ Picture Book Time New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 4pm • Free • Ages 3+

Toddler Time St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 10:30am • Free • Ages 1.5-3

Thursday, December 17

Tot’s Time Plus SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace

Events & Activities

Family Story Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue

descriptions & details on the events listed here can be found on siparent.com

Gingerbread Houses Tottenville Library December 14 • 4pm 718-984-0945 nypl.org

Behind the Scenes at the Museum Historic Richmond Town 378-410 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 2:30pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Book Buddies Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Free • Grades 1-5 Kiddie Tech Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 4pm • Free • Ages 6-11 Homework Help St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 4pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Be a City Hero: Carbon Footprint New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 4pm • Free • All ages Lego Club West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 4pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Third Thursday Theatre “Polar Express” Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 4pm • Free • All ages Movies South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 4:30pm • Free • All ages The Pipes Are Calling St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 76 Saint Albans Place 718-984-6060 7:30pm • Free • All ages

Friday, December 18

Children will be using graham cookies, cereal, pretzels, candies, marshmallows and “the Royal Icing” to create a totally edible Gingerbread House for the upcoming holidays. Limit to 20-25 participants. Please register one week before the program by phone or in-person.

212-621-0690 4pm • Free • All ages Crafternoon West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 4pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Unstructured Activity Time for Kids St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 4pm • Free • Ages 5-12 2nd Annual Birthday Bash Celebration!

Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 5pm • Free • All ages

Toddler Time Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 10:15am • Free • Ages 1.5-3

718-273-2060 11am • 5 w/ admission • Ages 1-5

Toddler Time Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 10:30am • Free • Ages 1.5-3

Baby & Me Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 11am • Free • Ages 0-1.5

Preschool Play, Story & Craft Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 10:30am • Free • Ages 3-5

Paint Day SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1:30pm • Free w/admission • Ages 2-10

Baby and Me Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 11am • Free • Ages 0-1.5

Teen Lounge Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 2:30pm • Free • Ages 11+

Preschool Story Time Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 11:30am • Free • Ages 3-5

11/23/15 11:27 AM

Kidz Cook SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 2pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Light, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness Tour Historic Richmond Town 378-410 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 2:30pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Fun Fridays: Stories and a Craft Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Free • Ages 4+ Wii Time South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free • All ages Lego Hour Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5-11 Wii Love Gaming Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5-11 Just Paint It West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 3:30pm • Free • Ages 7-12

Saturday, December 19

Forest Restoration Workshop Latourette Park & Golf Course Brielle Ave. btwn. Rockland Ave. and Wolcott Ave. 10am • Free • All ages

Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. Call to confirm before you attend.

1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Kids’ Book Club St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 1pm • Free • All ages Eating America Tour Historic Richmond Town 378-410 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 2pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Kiddie Game Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 3pm • Free • Ages 6-11

Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 11am • Free • Grades PreK-8 Storytime Barnes & Noble 2245 Richmond Avenue 718-982-6983 11am • Free • All ages Story time with P.S. 44 Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 12pm • Free • All ages Sensory Story Time St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 1pm • Free • Ages 2-10 Art Studio SI Children’s Museum

December Calendar.indd 7

Westerleigh Park Tree Lighting Westerleigh Park Willard Ave., Springfield Ave., Maine Ave., Neal Dow Ave. 718-442-0336 6pm • Free • All ages

Sunday, December 20

Art Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Sea Shanty Sessions Noble Maritime Collection 1000 Richmond Terrace

Events & Activities descriptions & details on the events listed here can be found on siparent.com Wrap It Up

Greenbelt Nature Center December 20 • 2pm 718-351-3450 sigreenbelt.org

Annual Wreath Making The Interpretive Center 2351 Veteran’s Road West 718-605-3970 10am • $15 • Adults Fitness Saturday Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 10:15am • Free • All ages

(718) 351-0044 5pm • Free • All ages

Create your own unique wrapping paper to use for the holidays. Registration is required. Please call (718) 351-3450 or email naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.

Knitting Hour South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3pm • Free • Adults Cinema Saturdays Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 3pm • Free • All ages Holiday Stories West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 3pm • Free • Ages 3+ Saint Patrick’s Church Tree Lighting St. Patrick’s Church 53 St Patricks Pl

718-447-6490 2pm • Free • All ages Building the American Dream Tour Historic Richmond Town 378-410 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 2pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Wrap it up Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 2pm • $8 • Ages 5-9 Doggie Boot Camp Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds 1131 Manor Road 718-761-1423 3:30pm • Free • All ages

Monday, December 21

All Join In! Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 11am • Free • Ages 2-4

Toddler Story Time Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 11am • Free • Ages 1.5-3 Pre-School Stories West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 11:15am • Free • Ages 3-5 Baby Space!

Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 11:45am • Free • Ages 0-1.5 Wii Gaming Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 2:45pm • Free • Ages 5-11 Homework Help St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 4pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Story Time Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 4pm • Free • Ages 3-11 Read Aloud Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 4pm • Free • All ages Investigation South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 4pm • Free • Young Adults

Tuesday, December 22

Baby Space St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 10am • Free • Ages 0-1.5

Baby Bounce Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 10:30am • Free • Ages 0-1.5 Tot’s Time Plus SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • 5 w/ admission • Ages 1-5 Tuesday Storytime Barnes & Noble 2245 Richmond Avenue 718-982-6983 11am • Free • All ages Toddler Time West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 11:15am • Free • Ages 1.5-3 Teen Lounge Tottenville Library

11/23/15 11:27 AM

7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 2:30pm • Free • Ages 11+ Kiddie Game Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 3pm • Free • Ages 6-11 Afternoon Story Time and Craft Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 3:30pm • Free • Ages 3-6 Literacy Inc. Pajama Storytime St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 4pm • Free • Ages 5-11 Read Aloud South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 4pm • Free • All ages ABC Read with Me Picture Book Time St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 4pm • Free • Ages 3-8 Kids Foil Art West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 4pm • Free • Ages 6+ Math Tutoring Tuesdays Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 4pm • Free • Grades 1-6

Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. Call to confirm before you attend.

718-273-2060 212-621-0690 1:30pm • Free w/admission • Ages 2-10 4pm • Free • All ages Voice of the People Tour Historic Richmond Town 378-410 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 2:30pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 3:30pm • Free • Grades PreK-8 Board Games South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free • All ages

Winter Solstice Celebration The Interpretive Center 2351 Veteran’s Road West 718-605-3970 5pm • Free • All ages Israeli Folk Dancing Bernikow JCC 1466 Manor Road 718-475-5263 6pm • $5 • All ages

Wednesday, December 23

Itty Bitty Play Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 11am • Free • Ages 0-3

descriptions & details on the events listed here can be found on siparent.com Investigation South Beach Library December 28 • 4pm 718-816-5834 nypl.org

Help solve crimes across NYC! You’ll explore different crime solving techniques, like fingerprinting and blood testing, and use your know-how to solve an imaginary crime committed in the area. Apply your creative skill in crafting the crime scene and use evidence to back up your ideas with NYPL Investigations.

Bookcraft Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 4pm • Free • Ages 4-8 Family Storytime Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 4pm • Free • Ages 3-12

Italian Language Club Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 11am • Free • All ages

Read Aloud/ Picture Book Time New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 4pm • Free • Ages 3+

Clay Day SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace

Family Story Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue

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Art Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace Snowmen & Snowballs Craft 718-273-2060 1pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue Eating America Tour 718-984-4636 Historic Richmond Town 4pm • Free • All ages 378-410 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 Kids’ Holiday Party 2pm • Free w/ admission • All ages St. George Library 5 Central Avenue Open Craft Hour 718-442-8560 Mariners Harbor Library 4pm • Free • All ages 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 2pm • Free • Ages 6-16

Events & Activities

Winter Party!

Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 4pm • Free • Ages 4+ LiteracyINC: Story Hour Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 5pm • Free • All ages

Crafternoon West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 4pm • Free • Ages 5-12

Saturday, December 26

Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 11am • Free • Grades PreK-8

Thursday, December 24

Preschool Time St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 10:30am • Free • Ages 3-4

Behind the Scenes at the Museum Historic Richmond Town 378-410 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 2:30pm • Free w/ admission • All ages

friday, December 25

Merry Christimas!

Knitting Hour South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3pm • Free • Adults Cinema Saturdays Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 3pm • Free • All ages

Sunday, December 27

Art Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Building the American Dream Tour Historic Richmond Town 378-410 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 2pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Doggie Boot Camp Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds 1131 Manor Road 718-761-1423 3:30pm • Free • All ages

Monday, December 28

All Join In! Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 11am • Free • Ages 2-4

Pre-School Stories West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 11:15am • Free • Ages 3-5 Baby Space!

Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 11:45am • Free • Ages 0-1.5 Wii Gaming Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 2:45pm • Free • Ages 5-11 Book Buddies Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Free • Grades 1-5

11/23/15 11:27 AM

Homework Help St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 4pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Story Time Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 4pm • Free • Ages 3-11 Read Aloud Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 4pm • Free • All ages Kids Show West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 4pm • Free • All ages Investigation South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 4pm • Free • Young Adults Homework Help Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 5pm • Free • Grades 1-6

Tuesday, December 29

Baby Bounce Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 10:30am • Free • Ages 0-1.5 Tuesday Storytime Barnes & Noble 2245 Richmond Avenue 718-982-6983 11am • Free • All ages

Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. Call to confirm before you attend.

718-984-4636 4pm • Free • Grades 1-6

718-351-2977 3:30pm • Free • Grades PreK-8

LiteracyINC: Story Hour Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 5pm • Free • All ages

Board Games South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free • All ages

Wednesday, December 30

Italian Tutoring Garibaldi-Meucci Museum 420 Tompkins Avenue 718-442-1608 12am • 35 per hour • Adults

Events & Activities descriptions & details on the events listed here can be found on siparent.com Holiday Spectacular

Teen Lounge Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 2:30pm • Free • Ages 11+ Afternoon Story Time and Craft Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 3:30pm • Free • Ages 3-6 Book Buddies Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Free • Grades 1-5 Craft Corner Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 4pm • Free • Ages 3-11 Read Aloud South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 4pm • Free • All ages Holiday Spectacular St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 4pm • Free • Ages 4+ Math Tutoring Tuesdays Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue

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Book Buddies Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Free • Grades 1-5 Bookcraft Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 4pm • Free • Ages 4-8

Itty Bitty Play Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 11am • Free • Ages 0-3

St. George Library December 29 • 4pm 718-442-8560

You won’t believe your eyes as you try to determine if what you’re seeing is magic or science. Don’t worry, we’ll explain it all as we use our indoor fireworks to create a festival of lights and share our top secret “special ice”, shipped straight from the North Pole. It all comes together with our magical no-melt snow.

Italian Language Club Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 11am • Free • All ages Holiday Spectacular Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 2pm • Free • Ages 4+ Voice of the People Tour Historic Richmond Town 378-410 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 2:30pm • Free w/ admission • All ages

Thursday, December 31

Behind the Scenes at the Museum Historic Richmond Town 378-410 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 2:30pm • Free w/ admission • All ages

Read Aloud/ Picture Book Time New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 4pm • Free • Ages 3+

FAMILY OF FRIENDS

If you aren’t a member of Staten Island Parent’s Family of Friends, you’re really missing out!

From exclusive giveaways to family-friendly events and big savings from local merchants, our weekly and monthly newsletters are filled with fun for everyone!

To join, just go to siparent.com/signup.

It’s fast and easy!

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

Staten Island Parent is your one-stop shop for the holiday excitement this season! Find local holiday events, Christmas Tree Farms, Holiday Fairs, craft ideas, charity opportunities, Tree & Menorah Lightings and so much more!

Visit siparent.com and click on the link on our homepage.

Happy Holidays!

Family Story Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 4pm • Free • All ages Crafternoon West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 4pm • Free • Ages 5-12

Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane

11/23/15 11:27 AM

F R E E Full Day UPK Seats are Limited Call to schedule a Tour

Large Outdoor Play Yard

Academic Curriculum • Certified Teachers

Ongoing Registration

Diapers OK • Video Security

5 Spacious Classrooms

Preschool • Daycare • Free UPK • Summer Camp Children Ages 2-6 • Open 7am-6:30pm

718 494-7422 • 501 Richmond Hill Rd www.rhccny.com Check us out on www.siparent.com & Facebook

e Threat The Tripl Presents . . . ater Pediatric Multi-Disciplinary Diagnostic Evaluation Site SEIT Program & Treatment Center Special Education Services: SEIT Services • CPSE & Private Evaluations CPSE Related Services (approved tertiary)

Servicing the South Shore for 20 years

Universal Prekindergarten Free UPK for 4 Year Olds (Extended Hours Available)

Full Day Universal Pre-K Available

OPEN Dec 1-4, Dec 7-11, HOUSE Dec 14-18, Jan 5-8

Mini Tots Program

Ages 2.4–3.9 (Not Potty Trained OK) Register NOW! • Fun Outdoor Play Area • Licensed & Certified Teachers • Nurturing Staff • Enriched Learning Program • Summer Camp Available Open Enrollment For All Classes Year Round

718-948-9535 • 7516 Amboy Rd Conveniently located near PS 1 & PS 6

miniworldpreschool.webs.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20TH SHOWS AT 3 & 6PM Trinity Lutheran Elementary School 309 St. Paul’s Ave • 10304

PRIVATE THERAPY Speech, Occupational, Physical, Vision, Counseling, Signing to Enhance Vocabulary

Special Education Services are at No Cost to Parent Services and their location funding provided by county are determined by the taxes & state funds for CPSE (local school district) special education services

Register at shows on Dec 20 for Youth Musical Theatre Classes.

Classes in Drama, Song & Dance Ages 5-12 & 13-17 Spring Shows May 13-15

917.754.8957

Dee Kanevsky, Choreographer & Producer Tina Montalvo & Anna G. Sparks, Directors

718.984.5826

905 Annadale Rd (Handicapped Accessible) Email: Therapy905@aol.com

www.wordsnmotion.com december 2015

www.siparent.com

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Fun stuff

>> December Birthday Club

Join S.I. Parent Magazine’s Birthday Club!

Log on to www.siparent.com DECEMBER 1 Christopher David Rivera Kaitlyn Korenski Nicole Gambella Rafael Torres Sean Giovanniello Jennie Cavallo Anthony Russo Kevin John Bucchieri Aubree Jude Purcell Samantha Diaz DECEMBER 2 Gianna Marie Katchusky Westley Paloscio Natalie Cenatiempo Mekhi Johnson-Maura Stephanie Keane Nikki DePetro Kira Rasmussen Christian Rasmussen DECEMBER 3 Dominque Barizone James Edward Tonrey III Sabrina Martin Imani J. Stevenson Joseph Piacenti James Tonrey Ryan Kvetny Nethuli Wickramanayake Kaitlyn CianFrone DECEMBER 4 Adrian Rzonca Matthew Levy Jocye Jade Van Drost Joseph Lepore Donae Graham Anna Sereno Megan Nagengast Dominick DePaolis Jordyn Savannah Hill DECEMBER 5 Marissa DeBiase Kristen Nicole Pillarella Thomas A. Mahoney Travis Torres John Tuchy Ranell King Tyler McAnuff Scott Hightower Jillian Katz Lucas Canada Alivia D. D’Ascanio Deandra Cruz DECEMBER 6 Douglas Goetz Jenna Palermo

James Hightower Natalie Puletti Dylan Horton Danielle Horton Angela Bunay Joseph Menoni Vincent Gigante DECEMBER 7 Sara Duprey Joshua Van Dusky Steven Marshall Peter Ferrigno Alyssa Hidalgo Timmy Keane Briana Lane Jayden Kranzke DECEMBER 8 Kristin Conden Frankie Dunn Makayla Murphy Raquan Jenkins Seyid Hakan Sagdic Lisa Foreman Jack Kushner Gabriel Reuben Jillian Katz Michael Russo DECEMBER 9 Hannah Patricia Animodi Louis Martin Faith Iannone Gia Tallegra Destiny Bruzon Tommy Ryan Jake Mannino Kaydence Kennedy Thomas Graber Paige Distefano Chase Bertone

Mando Ramos Samantha Devito Thomas Byrnes Jr DECEMBER 12 Caitlin Noelle McHugh Bao-Chin Keen Joshua Paul Birch Victoria Yzaguirre Daniel Yzaguirre Dylan DiGiacomo Vivian Tsuei Maria Rose Martorano Olivia Andruszkow Faith Chambers Samantha Walfish Jaden-Ramen Watson DECEMBER 13 Natalie Ann Perez Lisa Pierce Haley Cofresi Tony Williams Erin O’Keefe Salvatore F. Festa, Jr. Lauren Zaluk Amanda Seery Ronnington Watson, Jr. DECEMBER 14 Jessica Roesch Ebonyrose Bellamy Queyla Brann Chynna Lake Madison Burkhart Jason Mora Avyana Murray Taseer Rasheed Jason Mora

DECEMBER 10 Steven Gill Stephanie Montemarano George Marage Peter Nicholas Gambino Dante Pascale Michael Migliorisi Christina Daquara Adam Cohen Sabrina Todaro

DECEMBER 15 Noelle Mulligan Anthony Johnson Jayson Alfredo Guevara Nicholas Devito Vincent Rozza Michael Raimo Jasmine Burgos Gabrielle Pennachio Walter Broncano Matthew Recca Aniyah Meredith Kayleigh Clark

DECEMBER 11 Kaylan A. Mark Jeremiah E. Kapadia Gabriella La Greca Elizabeth McDonough Isabella Stein James Spaulding

DECEMBER 16 Saundra Caban Victoria Villano Joseph Aleo Zachary Perskin Joseph Willis Ashley Kelly

Elizabeth Liliav Deborah Arianna Morales DECEMBER 17 Page Lynn DeVito Brittany Avarino Jordan Brannan Anthony Ryan Doyle Kierstan Etheridge Taylor Rivera Angelica Beltran Brianna Raucci Thomas Loverdi Michael Mauro Saniyah Salman Sabrina Frascona Sofia Aziz Chassidy Rodriguez DECEMBER 18 Vincent Michael Infuso Carmine DiSpigna Angela Dama Jason Cunningham Joseph Busacca Kane Peter Emerich Nicole Romano Demarra Spicer Paulie Rivera DECEMBER 19 Frankie Koppie Adrianna Duran Frank R. McGill Paul Anthony Dacunto Chelsea Goldberg Santina Peghi Nicholas Ravaglia Jonathan Dinkle Arianna Duran Justin Portalatin DECEMBER 20 Justin Kessler Raheme Shaw Iris Kessler Victoria Rose Ambio Ryan McEldowney Steven McCabe Antoinette Oneill DECEMBER 21 Michael Thomas Dilluvio Allison Marie Wallace Samantha Wong Melanie Berens Samantha Skolnik Alyssa Gonzalez Maria Chinappi Ava Riccardi Sykla Degratto

TJ Chow Abraham Fenton Matthew Gibb TJ Chow Hailie Velez Danielle Harrell DECEMBER 22 Vanessa Kraker Bryanna Braithwaite Avery Parchment Karissa Noelle Bove Michael Yarbrough Jo-Anna Stabile Ibrahim Hamdallah DECEMBER 23 Dominique DeMatteo Nicholas DeMatteo Evan Chrust Antonio Gonzales Makayla Wilcken David Fetik Kevin Kushner James Kushner Alysea Parchment Nicholas Ahlborn DECEMBER 24 Erica Kobayashi Michael Calabrese Kaitlyn Samantha Lutz Chris Mendozza Stephanie Rivera Kyle Mackey Ariana Canessa Matthew Attardo Desirey Madden Giulianna Mary Dolce DECEMBER 25 Kristen Noel Proscia Christina Quirindongo Tiffani Mei Lee Randall Gip Lee Eric Towse Confesora Pacheco DECEMBER 26 Christopher Philips Kelly Wills Louis Virgilio Jr. Nathanael Cameron Tiffani-Lena Bungay Carly Ann Boller Zachary Bellantoni John Thaten Daniel Soto Jadin Edmonds Ava Rose Sheehan

DECEMBER 27 Fjay Noel Pagtakhan Schuyler Lynch Portocarrero Elisabeth Tonrey Tyler Moor Maria Vazquez DECEMBER 28 Leanna Rose Joseph Doyle-Yearwood Chelsea Debarros Lanaisha L. Miles Matthew Garin Nicole Africano Tyler Moore Olivia Millone Tyler Samuel Haneef Madyun DECEMBER 29 Matthew De Paris Marie Avenoso Matthew Hargraves Christopher Misiti Merlin Sabu Serena Tesler Zachary Becker Jcologero Messina Nikki Damante Cristina DiMaria Tara Leonard-Lentz Julia Deluca DECEMBER 30 Philip Cenatiempo Michael C. DiGaetano Amara LaMassa Jerry Mitchell Iyana Jenkins Angelo John Mirto Sofia Russo Danielle Dono Thomas Dono Andre Jeremiah Cooper DECEMBER 31 Christopher Lopez Kevin Yazici Katherine Thompson Camron DiMickens Darrius Ingram Eden Sage Ramos Paul Teplitskiy Efraim Agarunov

Birthday Club members are entitled to receive

10 free tokens at funstation Funstation is located on 3555 Victory Boulevard • 718.370.0077 Good only for birthday club members on this list. Not to be combined with any other offers. Offer valid on child’s birthday only.

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stuff you need

>> It’s In The Cards

Interested in Advertising?

Call 718.494.1932 26 Years of Proven Results.

december 2015

www.siparent.com

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Fun stuff

>> Party Needs

Party Smarty 718-556-9475 Entertainment 718.556.9475

Affordable Party Packages Face Painting, Glitter Art Tattoos Sculpture Balloons, Temporary Tatoos, DJ’s, Entertainers, Karaoke, Rides, Spin Art, Sand Art, Candy Art, Arts & Crafts, Theme Parties, Stuff a Bear Parties, Candy Cart, Cotton Candy, Popcorn, Snokones, Pretzels, Sundae Bar, Carnival Games, & More!

www.partysmartyentertainment.com

We Bring the Fun to You!

www.BerniesFunHouse.com• 718.442.0069

Games • Carnival Parties

Costume Characters

• Magicians • Face Painting • Clowns • Balloon Artists • D.J.’s •

Party time entertainment

Party With Us Now!

• Disc Jockeys • Video Taping • Karaoke • M/F Dancers • Party Servers • Dancing Gorillas • Caricaturist • Magicians • Singing Telegrams • Celebrity Look-a-Likes

• Costume Characters • Clowns • Puppet Show • Petting Zoo • Theme Parties • Double Dare Mini Circus • Dress Up Tea Parties • Carnival Games • Cotton Candy

• Candy Carts • Ice-Cream Sundae Bar • Sno-Cone Machines • Hot Dog Wagon • Candy Sticks • Craft Parties • Sand Art • Spin Art, T-Shirts & Pictures

• Stuffed Bears • Airbrushed Tattoos • Wax Hands • Candle Art • Rides • Moon Walks • Ball Crawl • Super Slide • Dunk Tank • Gyro • Train • Carousel

• Jousts • Catapillar • Lazer Maze • Birthday Machine • Obstacle Course • Casino Parties • Photo Favors • Balloon Typhoons • Chair Rental • And More!

www.PartyTimeEntertainmentInc.com • 718.667.8998 your one stop DJ & Entertainment Company

DJs, MCs, Vocalists, Dancers, Videographers, Photographers, Pro Light Shows, Intelligent Lights, Photo Booth, Live Animal Shows, Candy Carts, Cotton Candy, Popcorn, Plasma TVs, Rides, Magicians, Clowns, Limousines, Karaoke, Costume Characters, Casino Night Tables, Fully Insured

Directory Online Now At siparent.com

partywithf2k.com 718.554.4780 free photo Booth

$100 Off

With any DJ booking, cannot be combined.

80 Party Needs 1.indd 1

With any supreme package, cannot be combined.

DEcember

www.siparent.com

11/23/15 11:47 AM

multi-media advertising & marketing in staten island For over 26 years, S.I. Parent has been the leading and most trusted parenting brand in Staten Island.

Oh, and did we mention we’re award-winning too?

Just take a look at what our advertisers and readers have to say: ”The S.I. Parent team has gone above and beyond meeting the needs of YSuperstars. We had our first Email Blast sent out at 9:00am, and the phone calls began at 9:03am. By 1pm, we had 10 parents signed up for our Introductory Class at one of our sites! I believe that S.I. Parent truly believes in marketing your business for the pure reason of networking, and making an informational HUB for all of our parents & families. As business owners, entrepreneurs, and youth developers, we highly recommend in placing all of your marketing efforts with the #1 Magazine for Staten Island parents, S.I. Parent!”

–YSuperstars “I think S.I. Parent is a great magazine. I keep it the entire month because I refer back to it often for things to do, info about school, and to read up on our community. I always tell other moms to read it.”

–Nancy Zerega

• print

Distributed to over 525 locations throughout Staten Island including daycare centers, preschools, private & public schools, cultural instituitions, libraries, community organizations, doctor’s offices, supermarkets, retail stores & other high traffic areas

• web

www.siparent.com is a powerful tool to drive over 125,000 unique visitors to your website or social media pages (based on Google analytics)

• email marketing

Our weekly E-shop as well as our weekly e-newsletter delivers your brand message, offers, promotions, events and more! reach over 14,000 families in Staten Island

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Through S.I. Parent’s social media outlets we continously drive traffic to our products helping to improve the visability of your advertising

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S.I. Parent can help you create a targeted ad to showcase your business

learn more @ www.siparent.com/advertise

718.494.1932

www.siparent.com www.facebook.com/siparent info@siparent.com Multiple winner of the Parenting Media Association Design and Editorial Awards Competition and proud member of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce

December 2015

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stuff you need

>> Family Classifieds

“Help Bring Your Child’s Education to the Next Level”

Tots “R” Us Daycare, Inc. 6 weeks–12 years • early pre-school curriculum open 6am-6pm (extended hours available) • Free Breakfast, Lunch & Supper • Over Nights & Weekends • Hablamos Espanol • Summer Camp & Recreational Activities • NYS Licensed, ACD & HRA Accepted Accepting Admission at our New Location on St. Paul’s Avenue

Email: totsrusdaycare@hotmail.com

Locations Located Off 718-954-4108 5Forest Ave, Near PS 22

Psychotherapist & Bereavement Specialist

By Appointment Only • 1076 Forest Ave 347-850-2322 karengoldmansitherapy.com kl.goldman@yahoo.com NYS Licensed Mental Health Counselor Treating Adults, Teens, Children & Families for Over 20 Years Evening and Weekend Hours

Staten Island Family Music

Dance Studio

Dance Birthday Parties

2½ to adult

Kinder Combos • Ballet • Tap Modern • Jazz • Hip Hop 230 Livingston Ave (near Wagner HS)

718-727-2649 www.silhouettedancestudio.net

Advanced Tutoring

Karen L. Goldman, MA, LMHC-BC

All Grades & Subjects K-12 NYS Certified Teachers Ready to Work With Your Child

C: 718-755-3025 Ms. H.’s Place

Small Group Tutoring & Enrichment

Grades 2-5 The premier music enrichment program for babies, toddlers, 3, 4 & 5 year olds and their grown-ups!

3 convenient locations.

Morning, afternoon & weekend classes.

www.SIFamilyMusic.com 718.207.1128 Mary Lee Aloia, Director

1-3 Students Per Class

$25

Per Hour

*Private Tutoring Available*

917.923.9044

151 Woolley Ave • Entrance on Garrison Ave

www.mshsplace.com

Tutoring By Christine Affordable tutoring with proven, positive results.

Private tutoring and small classes available for TACHS, SHSAT, HSPT, PSAT, SAT, ELA and Math State test prep.

Orton Gillingham trained teachers available to tutor ELA in all grade levels.

917.748.9089 christine@tutoringbychristine.com

www.tutoringbychristine.com

Online tutoring directory Opportunity for Tutoring Businesses to be Listed on siparent.com!

718.494.1932 • info@siparent.com

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december 2015

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stuff you need

>> Professional Directory

attorney

Divorce

Family Court • Child Custody Spousal & Child Support Domestic Violence • Adoptions Name Changes • Annulments Separation Agreements Free Initial Consultation for Divorce Actions 24 Kurt T. Richards, P.C. Hour Phone Service

Attorney at Law

www.krichardspc.com 718.720.1000

1200 South Ave, Ste 201 • SI, NY

counseling services

Mindful Therapy Solutions LCSW PLLC

Kim Williams-Jenkins

Culturally Competent Compassionate Counseling

• Advanced Integrative Therapy • Indiv/Couples/Family • Special Needs/Identity/Self Esteem • Work & Educational Issues/ Abuse-Recovery • Autism/Aspergers Some Insurances Accepted

2504 Richmond Road • 10306

917-613-4009

Children & Adolescents With Anxiety & Behavioral Challenges

Specialist in Orthodontics

Gentle, Personal, Quality Care for Children & Adults

Individual, Couples & Family Counseling for Adults Too!

444 Huguenot Avenue • SI, NY 10312

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy • Play Therapy • Coping Strategies • Calming Techniques Most Insurances Accepted

718.966.0317 1749 Victory Blvd • 10314

2 Convienent Locations

8 Johnson Street • 10309

SPEECH, OT & PT

QUALITY CARE SPEECH CENTER, INC.

NYS Licensed Speech Pathologists, Occupational & Physical Therapists Evaluation and Treatment of Pediatric Speech, Language, Feeding, Oral, Fine & Gross Motor Disorders, P.R.O.M.P.T., Russian Bilingual Services, State of the Art Sensory Gym Dept of Ed Provider (CPSE & RSA) Top of Tertiary Tier Designation

(718) 967-5213

www.bracesbydrindelicato.com

Member American Association of Orthodontists

Speech, OT & PT

1076 forest ave. (corner of Manor Rd.) Evaluation & treatment of pediatric speech & language, fine & gross motor delays & disorders

718.605.4301

www.qualitycarespeech.com

southshorespeechtherapy.com 520B Bloomingdale Rd Staten Island, NY 10309

3767 Hylan Blvd (Great Kills) Randi Pino M.A., CCC-SLP/TSHH, Director

speech pathology

PreCare Speech Language Pathology PC • Diagnosis & treatment of infants, toddlers, adults • Autism, learning and communication disabilities • Articulation, impaired language, stuttering or lisps • All major credit cards and insurances

www.slpmd.com

718.259.4001 • 1829 Richmond Rd

speech pathology claire guttsman m.a., c.c.c. - slp

• Department of Education CPSE & CSE Tertiary Designation • Most Insurance Accepted • Homecare & School Services Offered

We accept all major insurance plans. Free consultations.

Professional Directory.indd 2

Salvatore R. Indelicato, D.M.D.

We use many adopted remedying techniques

speech pathology 718-967-0359 • 3767 Richmond Ave www.brightstartspeech.com brightstart@si.rr.com • Private practice with energetic & talented Speech Language Pathologists • Extensive experience Now • Full range of services Offering (diagnostics & evaluations) Homecare • Occupational Therapy • NYS & ASHA Certified • Multi-Lingual Therapists Speech & Language • NYC Dept of Ed Contracted Agency for Preschool & School Age Children Pathology, P.C.

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psychotherapist

Elissa Donner LCSW-R, CASAC, SAP

Counseling Services for Children & Adolescents and Emotional Retreats for Their Parents.

Psychotherapist LCSW-R, MSEd, CRC, CASAC

orthodontics

718-608-1508

speech pathology Contact us to findout how our multidisciplinary feeding program can help your child overcome feeding issues ranging from th mild picky eater to more complex issues, such as failure to thrive, pediatric dysphagia, or the transition from tube to oral feedings. We turn mealtime for you and your child into a HAPPY and ENJOYABLE experience!

Utilizing the SOS Approach to Feeding

www.pediatricandadultspeech.com Lisa Jiannetto,

MA, CCC-SLP, Director

718.356.6604

4056 Amboy Rd • 10308

718-447-5501

Certified professional, providing quality evaluations and treatment of adults and children for over 35 years. additional services: Public Speaking Improvement, Accent Reduction, Corporate Speech Pathology & Lecturing

speech pathology

Sandra Mazzucco M.A., C.C.C.-SLP

NYS Licensed Speech Language Pathologist

Evaluations & Therapeutic Intervention for Children & Adults PROMPT Trained Oral Motor & Feeding Therapy Specializing in Fluency ASHA Certified 465 Belfield Ave • Annadale Town North Shore: 1076 Forest Ave

718-815-6024

speech pathology

Speech and Language Therapy Associates of Staten Island, PLLC PROMPT Trained Therapists SOS Feeding Approach Orton-Gillingham & Wilson trained therapists Earobics

Individualized and Customized: Language Enhancement Programs, Auditory Training Programs, Fluency Enhancement Programs, Oral-Sensory-Motor Plans, Voice Treatment Programs, Accent Reduction Programs, FeedingTreatment Plans, Pediatric & Adult Clients We welcome NYC DOE clients, and we are now an associate of The Perfect Playground for all CSE cases.

www.pediatricandadultspeech.com

New Lisa Jiannetto, MA, CCC-SLP, Director Location 718.356.6604 • 4056 Amboy Rd • 10308

December

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stuff you need

>> Professional Directory

speech pathology

Call Us and Have Your Business Advertised Here!

DOE APPROVED TO PROVIDE MONO AND BILINGUAL SERVICES FOR PRE-SCHOOL AND SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN.

Speech and Language Pathology Practice Serving You and Your Children

Autistic Spectrum Disorders, PDD, Craniofacial Differences, Fluency Disorders, Apraxia of Speech, “Late Talkers,” Hearing Impairments & Phonological / Articulation Disorders

718.494.1932

347.640.4SLP (4757) • 188 Hylan Blvd • 10305 www.bbslp.org • Email: info@bbslp.org

Most Insurances Accepted

ADVERTISER INDEX A Taste of Honey................................... 41

Happy Teeth Dental............................. 28

SI Ballet.................................................... 19

Academic Advantage........................ 57

Holiday Train Show............................... 36

SI Dental................................................. 86

Alphabet Academy............................. 11

Hugs and Kiddies................................. 42

SI Mental Health Society..................... 38

American Karate.................................. 34

Island Sensory Shoppe........................ 57

SI Pediatric Dentistry............................. 55

Audiology Island.................................. 17

Island Shores......................................... 35

SI Skating Pavilion................................. 46

Bario’s Restaurant................................. 18

JCC of Staten Island............................ 29

SI University Hospital............................. 65

Big Bird’s Playhouse............................. 34

Kiddie Academy

Showplace Entertainment.................. 39

Bricks 4 Kidz............................................ 28

of SI-Great Kills................................... 52

Small World Dental.............................. 27

Build n Care........................................... 10

Kiddie Wonderland............................. 37

St. George Theatre..............Back Cover

Casa Belvedere.................................... 83

LA Dance .............................................. 57

St. Joseph Hill Academy..................... 61

Children at Play.................................... 63

Master Curry Karate............................... 3

St. Paul’s School of Nursing................. 59

Dea Music.............................................. 43

Mini World Preschool........................... 77

Suzanne’s Fashion Corner.................. 61

Delco Drugs........................................... 36

Move Me Dance and Fitness............ 41

Tender Care........................................... 55

Direct Behavioral Services.................. 63

Music Together of SI............................. 37

The Jewish Board.................................. 66

Dr. Alecia Giovinazzo.......................... 67

Once Upon A Child............................. 61

The Roadhouse..................................... 37

Dr. Lisa Lazzara (Kids Dental) ............ 58

Party Jam............................................... 53

The Stone House................................... 77

Dr. Michael D’Anna............................... 6

Pole Position.......................................... 66

The Village Preschool ......................... 63

Dr. Michael De Simone ...................... 55

Rab’s Country Lanes............................ 15

Total Dental............................................ 59

Dr. Michelle Giumenta........................ 38

Relax on Cloud Nine........................... 36

Triple Threat Theatre............................. 77

Dr. Phyllis Merlino DDS......................... 42

Richmond County Day Camp.......... 25

Valducci’s................................................ 7

Early Start, Inc........................................ 58

Richmond County Savings Bank........ 2

Wagner College External................... 63

Fidelis Care............................................ 24

Richmond Hill Children’s Center....... 77

Wine and Design.................................. 57

Fun Station............................................. 14

Richmond University Med. Ctr............. 5

Words n Motion.................................... 77

Genesis Fertility...................................... 55

Serena’s Catering Hall......................... 41

Zion Lutheran Preschool................. 30-31

Gingerbread Learning Center.......... 87

SI Academy........................................... 47 December 2015

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can your dentist deliver these services?

• Intravenous and Oral Sedation • Nitrous Oxide “sweet air”

• 42 years of experience with over 3,000 hours of continuing education

• Painless injections with “The Wand.”

• CPR and emergency management trained staff

• Doctor’s cell phone number

• Comfort care cleanings

• Drill free dentistry

• Always see the same Doctor

• 5 year warranty on dental work

• One hour hygiene visit devoted to oral health

• State of the art oral cancer screening with Vizilite • Financing available • An overall heath approach with blood pressure and blood sugar testing • Be seen on time!

• Evening and weekend hours

and comfort • Availability of topical gels for gum comfort during hygiene visits • Understand your dental needs; see it on TV with our intra-oral camera!

• Ask us about the 25 other ways we can help you!

If your answer is “no,” you need to call

Staten island dental care 718.761.5757

Dr. Frederick S. Hecht, D.M.D., P.C. Crown Council Humanitarian Dentist award for overseas dental missionary trips

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Special Web Offer! www.AfraidOfTheDentist.com

1520 Richmond Avenue Staten Island, NY 10314

We are sorry but we are not able to accept Medicaid November 2015

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~Equal Opportunity Employer~

To you, they’re learning.

To them, they’re having fun.

For Information About The Early Intervention Program Call 311.

UPK/Pre-K For All Full Day Program with Master Degree level teachers

Classroom Based Programs With ABA Instruction for 2-3 years olds (limited space) Programs Available for Ages 0-5 5 Days - Full Day/Half Day Extended Daycare Hours 7am-7pm Available As per Section 4410 of Article 89 of the Education Law

• Group or Individual Curriculums at Your Home, Preschool or our Center.

• Diagnostic Evaluations and Therapy

by Licensed Certified Professionals.

Placement determined by NYC CPSE.

• NYS Approved Preschool Evaluation Site.

Call or Visit our School & Pick Up a Free Brochure.

Not responsible for any typographical errors.

• FREE Tuition and Transportation* * For all eligibile children. Funding provided through state and local agencies. Parent may transport for reimbursement.

• Developmental Areas: Behavior and Socialization, Cognitive Development, Speech and Language Hearing Loss, Physical and Occupational Therapy.

718-356-0008 www.gingerbreadlctr.com ~Two Convenient Staten Island Locations~ 80 Woodrow Rd • 471 North Gannon Ave Email: gingerbread@gingerbreadlctr.com

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PRST STD

SOLUTIONS TO EVERYDAY PARENTING

16 Shenandoah Avenue • Suite C Staten Island, New York 10314

U.S. Postage Paid Staten Island, Ny

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